Speaking in Parliament during an interpellation session, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze presented the results of Georgia’s reference pricing reform, emphasizing its significant impact on reducing medication costs.
According to the minister, reference prices have now been set for more than 7,500 pharmaceutical products, leading to substantial savings for the population. He stated that after the reform, retail prices for some medications dropped by 70–80%, and in certain cases by more than 90%. Overall, from 2023 to 2025, citizens spent GEL 853 million less on medicines - an average savings of about 40% compared to a scenario without the reform.
Sarjveladze also highlighted improvements to state programs supporting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and pensioners with chronic illnesses. He said the government continues to expand financial protection for these groups through subsidized medication programs.
Responding to opposition criticism about pensioners’ drug expenses, the minister called such claims “cheap speculation.” He argued that essential, high-quality treatments for major chronic conditions are already covered by state programs, ensuring that beneficiaries receive necessary medicines at significantly reduced cost.
