Penitentiary Service: reports on Saakashvili’s poor heath, improper medical aid “unfounded, misleading”

The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia says that reports on deteriorated  health of convicted former President Mikheil Saakashvili and inadequate medical care for him  are “unfounded and an attempt to mislead the public.”

The agency said that Saakashvili had been under intensive, 24-hour supervision since the day he was placed in Rustavi prison, provided with “all necessary medical services”, under the direct supervision of a doctor and on-site medical consultations of a dermatologist, urologist, hematologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, cardiologist.

“He has  been prescribed and provided with appropriate medical treatment which is reflected in the medical card of the facility,” said the penitentiary service.

The agency claims that Saakashvili “selectively refuses” a number of examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, neurologist-prescribed treatment, a course of psychotherapy, and recommended physical activity.

“Saakashvili is given the opportunity to be in the fresh air in the walking area provided by the penitentiary institution for at least one hour a day, but the convict himself refuses to use this right.”

The agency says that while in prison Saakashvili had undergone a number of clinical-laboratory and instrumental examinations, including PCR testing due to respiratory symptoms, but the coronavirus was not confirmed.

The agency said that it was incorrect that they had refused to provide Saakashvili’s medical records to interested parties. 

At a trial hearing earlier this week Saakashvili requested a doctor. 

He said that he had lost 12 kg over the past several days and felt bad.