Government and parents agree next steps on Duchenne treatment, PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced an agreement between the government and parents of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on the next steps towards securing access to treatment.

Speaking at a briefing following a second meeting with parents, Kobakhidze said the sides had agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives of the Ministry of Health and parents of affected children.

The prime minister said the group would work actively on the issue of providing specific medications for children living with the rare genetic condition.

According to Kobakhidze, participants also reached a consensus on a number of medicines that will be considered as part of the process, although the drugs have not been publicly identified.

"The final decision on the procurement of specific medications will be made after taking into account various factors, including the conditions offered by pharmaceutical companies," Kobakhidze said.

He added that parents would be kept regularly informed about developments as the process moves forward.

The prime minister thanked the parents for what he described as their constructive approach to the discussions and also expressed gratitude to Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze and ministry officials for their work on the issue.

Kobakhidze said he hoped the agreement reached during the meeting would create a strong foundation for protecting the interests of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ensuring access to appropriate treatment.