Tbilisi Gov’t allocates ₾10 mln for stem cell transplantation programmes

Tbilisi’s Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced on Wednesday that ₾10 million ($3.5 million) has been earmarked in this year’s budget to continue supporting liver and bone marrow stem cell transplantations for patients in need.

Kaladze highlighted the ongoing efforts in the city’s social and healthcare sectors, acknowledging that despite progress, there are still families and individuals requiring assistance.

Under the programme, the City Hall will provide financial support ranging from ₾10,000 ($3,584) to ₾235,000 ($84,239) per patient. In 2024 alone, the initiative funded 101 cases, transferring approximately ₾7.5 million ($2.6 million) to clinics both domestically and abroad.

Additionally, Kaladze revealed a new initiative aimed at establishing a national stem cell donor registry. Since its launch last year, City Hall has funded studies for determining human leukocyte antigens for 133 registered volunteers and potential donors.

The Mayor also announced that ₾120,000 ($43,015) would be allocated per patient for the liver transplantation programme, which has funded 50 transplants since its inception in 2018.