Majority of Georgians struggling to afford food, medicine, survey finds

A significant share of Georgia’s population is facing serious financial hardship, with nearly half unable to afford essential food and a majority struggling to access medicine and healthcare, according to a new nationwide survey.

The poll, conducted by research group ACTR in March, found that 47% of respondents reported difficulty purchasing basic food items, while 55% said they face challenges affording medicines and medical services.

“This indicates that the limitation of financial resources critically affects people’s daily, basic needs,” the survey’s summary said.

More broadly, 56% of Georgians believe a financial crisis has either already begun or will begin within the next six months. Responsibility for deteriorating living conditions was most commonly assigned to the government (44%), though 29% of respondents also blamed themselves.

The survey was conducted by telephone among a random sample of 800 adults across Georgia. It carries a margin of error of 3.5%.