Georgia’s primary healthcare reform expands services, introduces new funding model

Georgia’s primary healthcare reform is moving forward with an expanded package of services and a new funding model based on patients’ age and healthcare outcomes, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze said after meeting sector representatives.

The reform aims to strengthen primary healthcare's role in disease prevention, vaccination, screening and timely access to services, he said on Wednesday. 

The expanded package includes additional instrumental and laboratory tests, while the new financing model will take into account patients' needs by age and assess the results achieved by healthcare facilities.

The pilot phase began at six primary healthcare facilities, with a further 43 facilities subsequently entering the updated funding model following compliance assessments.

The expansion will continue in stages. Primary healthcare providers can submit applications to the National Health Agency until 1 October 2026. Facilities meeting the criteria will enter the updated funding model from 1 March 2027.