Nino Berdzuli met with representatives of John Snow Inc

Deputy Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs, Dr. Nino Berdzuli addressed the John Snow Inc. (JSI) in Washington DC. Dr. Berdzuli discussed Universal Health Care Reform in Georgia. She started her speech by explaining a big political commitment together with significant investment in health to start universal health care reform in Georgia in 2013. She gave a background information on how Georgian healthcare industry transitioned from former government's privatized industry to a new publicly financed health services provision. -Dr. Berdzuli presented the path to Universal Health Coverage and progress made in increasing coverage and accessibility, and financial risk protection of the Georgian population from catastrophic expenditures on health. - She described the UHC Benefits Package in Georgia and talked about importance of identification of highest health priorities based on data and equity analyses. -Dr. Berdzuli elaborated on how Georgian health care model can be applied to other countries and suggested that sustainable financing is critical for successful Universal Health Care reforms. - After the presentation, Dr. Berdzuli was asked multiple questions on specifics of Georgian health care reform and future challenges that the Ministry of Health will have to face. She discussed the way forward to strengthen universal health care in Georgia including improved access to high quality and affordable pharmaceuticals for treatment of major NCDs, reform needed in providers reimbursement mechanisms, strategic purchasing and quality of care. -In conclusion, Dr. Berdzuli thanked JSI for its significant contribution in Georgia's healthcare sector as JSI dedicated to promoting and funding programs in Maternal and New-born health in Georgia.