Georgia’s Ministry of Health is preparing a major expansion of its oncology medicines program, adding USD 18 million to the ongoing partnership with Swiss drugmakers Roche and Novartis. The new funding will finance next-generation cancer treatments at preferential prices and will be implemented in 2026–2027 under the framework of the existing agreement.
The original program, launched in 2023 and running through 2025, allocated GEL 163 million for the centralized purchase of 21 innovative oncology medicines. These drugs, many of them advanced targeted therapies, were procured through simplified procedures to ensure rapid access for patients. As the Ministry stated, payments to date include GEL — million to Roche (amount missing in the source text) and GEL 58 million to Novartis.
Officials say the additional resources will expand access to world-standard cancer treatments and support efforts to reduce cancer-related mortality nationwide. The Ministry argues that continuing cooperation with Roche and Novartis helps balance patient needs with responsible budget management.
