The Committee got cognizant of the initial version of the Draft State Budget 2022 introduced by the First Deputy Finance Minister, Giorgi Kakauridze, speaking about the main directions and macro-economic parameters of the document.
According to him, the budget for 2022 was planned at the margin of the deficit of 4.4%, which will be reduced to 3% for 2023. The total budget for the Healthcare Ministry for 2022 constitutes GEL 5 bl. 941 ml with the reduced costs for the pandemic, though with increased assignments for other program directions. GEL 4 bl. will be consumed on the social protection programs, including GEL 2 bl. 885 ml for the pensions – increased by GEL 285 ml compared to 2021; the pensions will gradually increase year-over-year as of January 1, 2022.
The budget also provides the increased supplements for the highlands – GEL 75 ml will be used for the doubled aids. The healthcare budget constitutes GEL 1 bl. 734 ml, GEL 820 ml will be consumed for universal healthcare and GEL 520 ml – for the pandemic-related costs.
When discussing the initial version of the draft budget, the Committee stressed several directions concerning the disposal of the budget funds, including salaries for the rural doctors, increased pensions for the I-group disabled, children with disabilities and veterans, equalization of the pay gap for the emergency brigades, establishment of the uninterrupted glucose system for the children etc.
“We are committed to cooperate with you and the Ministries and hold consultations on the formation of the final version of the budget. The only critical aspect for us is the maintenance of the minimal index of the deficit or even reduction”, - the reporter noted.
The budget parameters will be revised upon the finalization of the document. The resuming sitting on the draft after the Committee hearings will be held by the Budget and Finance Committee on October 18.
