“When Georgian citizens are abroad, their ability to use universal healthcare is not terminated. The Ministry of Health does not transfer funds to a clinic simply because a person is registered with that clinic and is not in Georgia,” said the Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, Archil Gorduladze, in response to journalists’ questions regarding the order issued by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, Mikheil Sarjveladze. The order states that Georgian citizens who remain continuously outside the country for six months or more will no longer be able to benefit from the universal healthcare program.

As Gorduladze explained, the purpose of the decision is the rational use of expenditures.

“This is an absolute lie - under no circumstances does the ability to use universal healthcare cease when Georgian citizens are abroad. This is false. The reality is completely different: the Ministry of Health does not transfer a specific amount of money to a clinic simply because a person is registered at that clinic while being outside Georgia. A clinic will not be funded just because a person has been abroad for more than six months. However, as soon as that person returns, they will be able to use the healthcare system and universal insurance. The adopted decision has no negative impact whatsoever; on the contrary, it is related solely to the rational use of expenditures,” Archil Gorduladze stated.

For reference, by decision of Mikheil Sarjveladze, starting from June 1, Georgian citizens who remain continuously outside the country for six months or more will no longer be able to benefit from the universal healthcare program. The document indicates that the order has already entered into force as of January 1, 2026.