Parliament’s Human Rights Committee Chair appointed Georgia’s new Health Minister

Mikheil Sarjveladze, the ruling Georgian Dream party MP who chaired the Human Rights Committee in the state legislature, on Monday was appointed as the Minister of IDPs from Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Protection of Georgia.

Sarjveladze has replaced Zurab Azarashvili in the role, who earlier this month had to quit due to alleged poor communication with the field representatives, as stated by the newly appointed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. 

In his comments, Kobakhidze highlighted the “extensive deliberations”, involving both the political team and representatives of the medical community, before Sarjveladze’s selection for the post. 

He claimed key among the discussions was the consideration of whether the new minister should hail from medical circles. 

Opinions were divided, with some advocating for a medical representative and others holding a contrary view. After thorough consultations, Kobakhidze concluded that candidates from both the medical community and other backgrounds could be considered. 

 

“Ultimately, preference was given to a member of the political team, Mikheil Sarjveladze, whose professionalism and integrity garnered special confidence based on his experience”, the PM said. 

He also expressed confidence in Sarjveladze’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead, emphasizing his extensive background. 

 

Sarjveladze’s previous roles, including his tenure as the head of the National Enforcement Bureau and Deputy Minister of Justice, as well as his parliamentary experience, were noted as “valuable assets” for the new ministerial position. 

Recent appointments also include Levan Zhorzholiani as the head of the Government administration, Nikoloz Tkemaladze as the head of the Department of Relations with the Regions of the Government Administration, Giorgi Kajaia as the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Relations with Russia, and Zurab Abashidze as the Advisor to the Prime Minister.