Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze said decisions regarding medications for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy should not be made based solely on emotions, stressing the importance of scientific evidence and clinical data.
“This is not an area where decisions should be made based solely on emotions. Scientific evidence is essential and critically important; otherwise, the risk of making mistakes is high,” the minister said.
Ministry of Health said within the framework of the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Sarjveladze has already held meetings with the Secretary General of Belgium’s Federal Ministry of Health, Poland’s Health Minister, and representatives of international partner organizations.
The ministry said one of the key topics discussed was access to new medications for rare diseases and the experiences of different countries in this regard.
Sarjveladze claimed that it is important to exchange and analyze practical experience, clinical outcomes and real-world data concerning medications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy with representatives of various countries.
“I am currently attending the World Health Assembly organized by the World Health Organization, where we have had meetings with many countries. We have the opportunity to speak with leading healthcare systems and countries that possess both the financial resources and the significant intellectual and scientific capacity needed for making concrete decisions,” the minister said.
Sarjveladze claimed that there are still no definitive answers globally regarding medications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
“It should be taken into account that practically no one in the world today has real answers. Absolutely everyone is in the process of searching. Naturally, we are also involved in this process and are waiting with maximum hope for the moment when we will have concrete answers regarding specific medications. Naturally, this will give us the opportunity to make decisions,” he stated.
The minister added that even European countries with advanced healthcare systems continue to face questions regarding the issue, highlighting the need for further dialogue and information exchange.
Sarjveladze also said work on the matter should continue in a professional and constructive format to ensure decisions are based on rational assessments and factual circumstances.
Image source: Imedinews
