Tea Akhvlediani: We’ve transferred more than 250 Covid-infected patients for treatment from occupied regions

"As soon as the pandemic started, we declared at the highest level that the people living in the occupied regions and along the dividing lines would not be left alone to face this challenge," said Tea Akhvlediani, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality.

According to her, up to 900 patients received free health services under the state referral program in the controlled territory.

"This statement by the government was immediately translated into specific actions, which included: disseminating information about coronavirus in Abkhazian and Ossetian languages; sharing experience between physicians through online consultations and visits of WHO experts to the Abkhaz region; on-site delivery of medical supplies by both government and international partners; transfer and treatment of patients in a controlled area. To date, we have received more than 250 Covid-infected patients for treatment”, said the Minister.

According to her, unfortunately, no similar assistance could be provided to the Tskhinvali region due to the destructive approach of the occupation regime.

“The population of the occupied regions continues to receive free health care services in the controlled territory. Up to 900 patients have used the state referral programme this year. The supply of various medical equipment continues and this year the assistance provided by the Georgian government to the healthcare component amounts to more than 5 million GEL,” said Tea Akhvlediani.