The Government Members discussed today the draft ordinance of the Georgian Government on amending the Georgian Government’s February 21, 2013 Ordinance on Particular Measures to Be Taken for Transitioning to Universal Healthcare.

Based on the draft law, a new model for financing diagnosis-related group (DRG) was introduced on November 1 in medical facilities. DRG is a tried and tested method of financing in developed countries which automatically calculates fair prices to be paid by the Ministry for citizens’ quality treatment.

The volume of financing is defined by a given patient’s diagnosis, age, duration of hospitalization, and other criteria. After the introduction of the DRG system, patients will no longer have to cover extra expenses when receiving treatment. Instead, they will pay the amount defined as the copay share under the Universal Healthcare Program.

“The diagnosis-related group methodology will be used at clinics across the country starting next month, and will categorise patients with similar clinical diagnoses in order to better control hospital costs and determine payer reimbursement rates.

This methodology is the most fair, correct and proven system of medical services. After the launch of the methodology, clinics will have no motivation to conduct unnecessary interventions on patients for ensuring higher incomes. Unfortunately, we have had such cases”, - said the Minister of Health Zurab Azarashvili.