On February 23, 2026, the Government of Georgia adopted Decree №77, approving the “State Program for Medical-Social Expertise and Control for 2026.” The document, signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, entered into force immediately upon publication.
Core Objectives The primary goal of the program is to enhance the transparency and legality of the medical-social expertise process. According to the decree, the state will pay particular attention to the procedures for granting and verifying disability status to reduce the risk of incorrect expert findings and strengthen quality control.
Implementation and Oversight The Regulatory Agency for Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities plays a central role in the program’s execution, providing both supervision and financial administration. The Agency is authorized to selectively audit expert conclusions issued by medical institutions, specifically focusing on:
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Initial disability status determinations.
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Permanent (lifetime) status assignments.
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Cases where the disability status has been upgraded (aggravated).
If suspicious decisions are identified, a repeat medical-social expertise will be mandated at a different, independent medical facility.
Financing and Vouchers The program utilizes a non-materialized voucher system, ensuring beneficiaries receive fully funded services without co-payment. Reimbursement is based on services actually rendered, within the upper limits defined by the Regulatory Agency.
Monitoring and Sanctions Rigorous monitoring and revision mechanisms are a key feature of the document. Revisions can be conducted within three years of a reimbursed case. If violations are discovered:
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The provider must refund the reimbursed amount.
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Additional financial sanctions apply, including fines of three times the reimbursed amount in specific cases.
Budget The 2026 program budget is set at 100,000 GEL, allocated as follows:
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75,000 GEL for repeat examinations and verifications.
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25,000 GEL for travel/mission expenses.
Conclusion This new state program represents a significant step toward tightening the medical-social expertise system and strengthening institutional transparency. It aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure efficient resource management, and bolster state supervision in the healthcare sector.
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