A new, uniform system of tariffs for medical institutions in Georgia has been activated since November 21, with the first phase of regulation being resuscitation and cardiac surgery.

The new regulations apply to medical institutions that are included in the universal health care program. From now on, some clinics will have to offer patients the same rates as the Ministry of Health.

The aforementioned changes were discussed in the Georgian Parliament for several hours.

The meeting with the representatives of the clinic, members of the Health Committee and representatives of the Ministry of Health were also attended by the business ombudsman.

As Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia stated, these regulations do not affect the quality of medical services of patients. Gabunia is convinced that tariffs are calculated so that changes do not adversely affect service quality.

Twenty-six hospitals have submitted a letter to the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the relevant Parliamentary Committee, the Public Defender and the Minister of Health these days with a letter to postpone the planned update. Regardless of the clinic's request, the regulation came into force today.

Clinic leaders complained that the new tariffs were set without prior consultation with state agencies, which is unacceptable. In response, the agency said tariffs on certain medical services had not been finalized and would be reviewed with the private sector.

The state health insurance program includes children, students, retirees, persons with disabilities, teachers and low- and middle-income citizens.

source: sputnik-georgia.com