Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze says work on the issue of medications for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ongoing, stressing that decisions should be based on accurate assessments and international medical experience, particularly developments in Europe.
Speaking about the possible import and funding of Duchenne treatment drugs, Sarjveladze said it is important to avoid creating false expectations.
“When we talk about solutions, it is very important to make accurate assessments and create the right expectations. Creating false expectations is not justified by anything; on the contrary, it is immoral,” the minister said.
Sarjveladze claimed that discussions regarding the availability and procurement of Duchenne therapies require close cooperation with all involved parties, including parents, patients and medical experts.
He noted that similar discussions are still ongoing in many European countries, where decisions on certain Duchenne medications have not yet been finalized.
“We are waiting with great interest, hope and goodwill for all questions related to these medications to be answered and for European countries to begin procurement,” Sarjveladze said.
The Health Minister emphasized that decisions taken by individual countries should not automatically be considered final for the rest of Europe, as regulatory and medical evaluations are still underway.
Sarjveladze also said the Ministry of Health has been studying international medical practice and experience related to Duchenne therapies for a long time.
Referring to his participation in the World Health Assembly in Switzerland, the minister said the issue is actively being discussed across Europe.
“In European countries as well, these matters are being discussed, and decisions are not made until all questions are answered,” he said.
At the same time, Sarjveladze expressed hope that decisions regarding certain medications could be reached in the near future.
“I have great hope that we will soon have the opportunity to make decisions regarding some specific medications,” he added.
