Georgia’s primary healthcare reform has expanded beyond its pilot phase, with more than 40 medical facilities now participating, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze told BM.GE. Launched in six facilities in July last year, the programme aims to improve funding, raise doctors’ and nurses’ salaries, expand services and introduce performance-based payments.
Sarjveladze described the initiative as one of the country’s most important healthcare reforms in recent years, highlighting primary healthcare’s role in prevention, vaccination, screening and guiding patients through the healthcare system. Participating facilities must meet strict standards covering infrastructure, operations and health outcomes.
The Health Ministry plans to allocate an additional GEL 120 million to primary healthcare over the next three to four years. The reform is expected to provide the sector with approximately GEL 160 million in financial relief, increase clinic funding by 50% and expand the range of free medical examinations available to citizens.
The rollout will continue in stages. Facilities that meet the required criteria and have applied to join the updated funding model will be eligible to enter the programme from March 1, 2027, while rural doctors and outpatient clinics are expected to join in 2028.
