I don’t think anyone understands the importance of time and all the needs that patients have less than I do. A few days ago I was in Geneva and met with very high-level officials from 15 countries. Everyone’s wish is that answers to all questions be found as quickly as possible—answers that would allow, including for Georgia, decisions to be made on introducing these medications into programs,” said the Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, while speaking about a medication for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

According to the Minister, they are constantly monitoring developments related to medicines.

“The picture is constantly changing. Yesterday I heard that ‘vamorolone’ and ‘givinostat’ are used in all European countries. I want to say with full responsibility that this is not the case.

The majority of European countries are very carefully observing the development of processes. They examine what possibilities the drug has, what the safety guarantees are, and so on, and based on that, each European country makes its decision.

This is the level of readiness they have; they are unable to make a decision, just as is happening in Georgia.

This is the only step. When I speak about variability, there are also some negative signals. I mentioned one medication and a substantially changed situation that ruled out the possibility of its use.

We are constantly following updates in this direction, and there are also developments regarding the United Kingdom. As you know, the UK is planning steps regarding one of the medicines. Yesterday, information was also published about another drug, and we are reviewing it. There are also some promising factors, such as the emergence of new medicines.

I was in Geneva and met with around 15 high-ranking officials from different countries, as well as representatives of the medical and clinical sectors. Everyone without exception speaks about uncertainties, but they are all hopeful. Everyone wants answers to all questions to be found as quickly as possible—answers that would allow Georgia and European countries to make decisions on introducing these medicines into programs,” the Minister said.

According to him, he is among the first who wants all questions to be answered as quickly as possible, and for evidence to emerge that would make evidence-based decisions on introducing medicines possible.

“Most European countries have the same needs as Georgia regarding these medicines. These countries are also in observation mode; the majority are still unable to make decisions on funding the medicines.

I believe this is sufficient basis to explain that, despite urgency, decisions cannot be made without evidence. I am probably one of the first supporters of ensuring that all questions are answered as quickly as possible and that evidence emerges that will allow us to make evidence-based decisions on the introduction of medicines. I am among those people who may care deeply about this issue,” the Minister said.