Vladimir Bozhadze, chair of the parliamentary political group “European Socialists,” has proposed the creation of a state pharmaceutical factory and a state-owned bank during a speech in Parliament. He also presented broader economic initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable medicines and strengthening state support for businesses.
Bozhadze said that despite ongoing efforts by the government to regulate drug prices and the introduction of reference pricing for thousands of medicines, pharmaceuticals remain a major financial burden for citizens. He argued that a state pharmaceutical factory could help address the issue by producing already licensed and widely used medicines without the high research costs associated with private companies.
He also warned that rising electricity and fuel prices, along with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, could lead to further increases in the cost of medicines and food. In addition, he proposed replacing the “Enterprise Georgia” agency with a new Economic Development Corporation and establishing a state bank to better direct public funds toward business development, particularly in the regions and SME sector.
According to Bozhadze, a state bank would reduce dependence on commercial lenders, where a significant share of public support currently goes toward interest payments. He said he is ready to continue working with both parliamentary and government teams to further develop these initiatives.
