GEORGIA
About the data We were unable to collect a large number of responses in this country. Thus, the information presented below is based mainly on a review of the literature and exchanges with the national diabetes association.
Healthcare expenditure profile (2011)2
Key background information: country health system
22%
Total health expenditure per capita: USD 328.30 Proportion of government expenditure on health: 6.9%
78%
Public expenditure Private expenditure Out-of-pocket expenditure represents 89% of private spending on health
Health system overview
- Mandatory private health insurance has existed since 1995. The government provides health vouchers for households judged to be under the poverty line in order to purchase health insurance, and offers certain services for free or at a subsidised price to specific groups.3,8 - Most medicines and medical devices are procured and provided by private actors.3,9 - Quality control is carried out prior to distribution by a specialised agency under the authority of the Ministry of Health.1,5 However, some evidence5,4 suggests that this agency may lack the resources it requires to perform its duty systematically.
Diabetes prevalence (2011)1
Key diabetes data
IDF Atlas
National Data
3.3% of 20-79 year-olds
Official records: 5 – 7% of the population
Diabetes care procedure
- Prescriptions are provided by endocrinologists but also by GPs7 - The prescription of diabetes medicines by GPs is restricted.7 - The prescriber functions also as the main point of diabetes information and advice on treatment.1,7 - Diabetes products are dispensed mainly at local pharmacies.7,9
Presence of products at national level
Availability
• At least one product from each of the surveyed categories was reported authorised for sale.5,6,7 However, the high costs of certain technologies (and consequent low demand for them), as well as delays in maintaining proper registration, may make certain products occasionally unavailale.6,7
Guidelines and specific prescription criteria
• Guidelines by the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study Diabetes are reported being used.7 However, responses from healthcare professionals5,7 suggest their interpretation and implementation may vary from one area to another. • While GPs’ prescriptions of diabetes medicines are restricted, those of endocrinologists are not.7 • Most people with diabetes seem to be treated with oral medication7 (especially metformin5). • Insulin analogues seem to be mainly prescribed as a second-line treatment.5,7
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