Healthcare barometer of 2013
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Wednesday, January 29
The International Foundation Curatio published the outcomes regarding healthcare issues in Georgia. The survey is based on expert analyses concerning the ongoing healthcare reform in the country. The survey covers a 6 months period, from May - October 2013.
The organization stressed that outcomes of the second survey is more optimistic. The first survey was presented in April 2013. Both of the surveys include the assessments of 98 analysts from within the healthcare system.
The major approaches of the survey reveal that the changes made in the healthcare system were positive. Analysts stress that people are more optimistic now.
“The number of skeptical people on the reform has decreased from 52% to 33%,” the survey reads.
Analysts believe that the steps made by the government for building a better healthcare system were positive. However, they think that the funds allocated for the sector “were inadequate”.
They still believe that healthcare remains less available, despite an increase in state funding.
“Optimistic expectations over reducing prices on medicines have also decreased. 47% of analysts believe that real steps for regulating the pharmaceutical market have not been made yet. The medical service and medical education system still remains problematic in the country,” the survey reads.
Many of the analysts (68%) are assured that medical education in Georgia does not meet the current challenges. They are disappointed that no steps have been taken yet for making a better medical education system in the country.
The analysts are skeptical that the government course in the system would increase private investors in the insurance industry. Moreover, the analysts underscore that the state’s role in insurance companies would grow, as well as in medical institutions.
The survey concludes that the positive assessments made by the analysts were caused due in part to the concrete priorities voiced by the government within the healthcare system, as well as due to better communication with the public. As for the negative assessments, the survey reads that in some cases priorities were less detailed.
The survey appeals to the government to make its priorities clearer and more transparent.
Curatio promises to undertake surveys every 6 months to reveal tendencies and expert attitudes.
The Healthcare Ministry admits that various vital projects were launched in 2013. Among them is the Universal Health Care Project, in which more than 2 million citizens are involved. During the last year, different types of disbursements increased and social assistance for socially vulnerable people was doubled.
