We invested 11 MLN GEL and Georgia now has a comprehensive drug quality assurance lab, which was needed for our country and our people. It was announced by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia when visiting the first drug quality assurance lab in the country.
As the Head of the Government of Georgia noted, the country imports only high-quality medication complying with standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with a decision made by authorities. Nevertheless, it is not sufficient and requires daily if not systematic control by the state.
“First of all, I wish to thank everyone for joining us today. We did a very important thing, which was needed for our country and our people. It is a state-of-the-art drug quality assurance lab that existed in the country, but did not have such a high level and modern technology. We invested about 11 MLN GEL and it may be said that Georgia now has a comprehensive drug quality assurance lab. Now, let me say why this lab is so important. I wish to once again explain for our citizens. You are well aware that our key priority is to provide good care for our citizens. We started last year and even earlier to control the drug quality. You may also know that we introduced standards and only high quality medication complying with standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is imported to the country. Nevertheless, it is not sufficient, of course. It requires daily, if not systematic control by the state. That is exactly why the lab was created and all medication is inspected on random from the ones that are readily available at the market nowadays for our citizens. Our main goal is that our citizens get high quality medication whenever needed. It is utterly important” added Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia.
According to the Prime Minister, the Government made vital decisions leading to the price drop on medication by 60-70% and citizens of Georgia saving 200 MLN GEL as a result.
Irakli Garibashvili also spoke about the importance of setting the reference prices.
“Also, I would once again note that our decisions were rather vital, which resulted in the import of more varied medication to the country. We made the diversification happen and medication complying with standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is imported from Turkey and other countries. Prices dropped by 60-70% and our citizens saved 200 MLN GEL with this single initiative. You may also be well aware that reference prices were set to make sure that manipulators and scalpers would not benefit – cases of which have been detected on multiple occasions, e.g. at PSP Pharmacy and you may recall my public announcements about cancer medication prices going through the roof with a 300% mark-up. We – the authorities – responded quickly and the Ministry of Health eradicated it. Situation got adjusted immediately and it was a bad decision of the pharmacy, of course. To set control measures, we need a modern lab as well, price control and more monitoring, of course” concluded Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia.
First ever drug quality assurance lab in Georgia has been equipped with state-of-the-art devices to comply with international standards. High-tech equipment and machinery enable the scrutiny of drug quality. Control measures aim to significantly improve the quality of medication and pharmaceuticals.
Installation of equipment has already been completed at the lab and it is now staffed with high-caliber professionals that have already passed the first phase of orientation with the engagement of international trainers and experts.
Calibration of lab equipment is happening now with qualification upgrades and introduction of methodology with support of foreign pharma analysts.
At present, microbial, molecular and physics-chemical tests are possible to be performed at the state-owned drug lab.
Also, active work is in progress to gain relevant international certificates and accreditations.
