Starting on October 1st, the Georgian government will take over the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals under special control, including psychotropic medications. The Ministry of Health announced that this change will tighten oversight and reduce risks of misuse.
Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze met with representatives of clinics and pharmacies to come up with new procedures. He emphasized that the ministry will work closely with sector stakeholders, stressing the need for fairness and responsibility throughout the transition.
The minister said that the state control will help minimize the improper use of controlled medicines while also benefiting the public. He pointed out that sine the state has no commercial interest, centralized distribution is expected to contribute to the stabilization of medicine prices. Sarjveladze also encouraged pharmacists to uphold the same principle in retail sales.
Under the new regulations, both import and wholesale distribution of controlled pharmaceutical products will be managed by the Center for Mental Health and Prevention of Addiction, a state-run legal entity.
