Georgia’s health minister urges cautious, evidence-based approach to Duchenne treatment decisions

Georgia’s Health Minister, Mikheil Sarjveladze, has said decisions on the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy must be based on thorough scientific evaluation, stressing that the issue required careful and comprehensive analysis.

Speaking about the ongoing debate, Sarjveladze said the matter is under active consideration across Europe and beyond, with governments facing similar challenges in assessing treatment options.

“This issue requires a full and balanced assessment. Practically all countries for which this is relevant are engaged in evaluating it,” he said.

The minister reiterated the government’s position that funding would not be a barrier if a treatment is proven to be safe and effective.

“No expense will be spared when it comes to a genuinely effective and safe treatment,” he added.

Sarjveladze said decisions must rely on credible, evidence-based sources and involve medical specialists. He pointed to European experience, including that of Sweden, noting that its healthcare system currently supports only treatments that are also included in Georgia’s own programme.

He cautioned that reported success stories linked to certain medicines remain inconclusive, as it is not yet fully established whether improvements are due to the drugs themselves, rehabilitation services or broader multidisciplinary care.

“This is not a simple issue that can be resolved quickly. It requires in-depth analysis,” he said, adding that emotional factors, while understandable, should not lead to rushed decisions.

Sarjveladze also said the ministry remained open to engagement and is ready to provide comprehensive information to all interested parties.