The Government of Georgia is spending the budget for the administration of COVID-19 vaccine at a low pace.
According to the State Audit Office, GEL 12 million should be spent for immunization this year, of which GEL 3 million 277 thousand should be spent in 9 months. But according to the data for 8 months, only GEL 909 thousand is spent, which is 28% of the plan.
Due to the low rate of disbursement of funds in this direction, the Audit Office applied to the Ministry of Finance for clarifications. The Ministry of Finance explains, that the low rate of uptake is due to the low intensity of vaccination in 1H2021.
"The budget follows the number of administrated vaccines. The budget performance shows the payment for vaccination visits. The budget is calculated at 60% coverage and since this coverage is not available so far, naturally, it follows the jabbing performance”,- Tamar Gabunia, deputy health minister declares.
According to the stated goal of the Government of Georgia, 60% of the adult population should be vaccinated by the end of the year. But, as of today, 31.6% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.
