The head of the “Heart Center of Western Georgia,” the renowned cardiac surgeon Nikoloz Vashakmadze, was dismissed from his job. The clinic did not extend the contract of the doctor, who had many years of European experience and had been working in Kutaisi since 2014.
Nikoloz Vashakmadze received his medical education at Tbilisi State Medical University and the University of Cologne. He completed his full post-graduate education in cardiac surgery in leading German clinics and accumulated many years of work experience. After returning to Georgia, he took the position of the head of the Heart Center of Western Georgia and also actively engaged in the country’s scientific and pedagogical activities.
Regarding his dismissal, the doctor issued a lengthy statement on social media, in which he assessed the events. According to Vashakmadze’s statement, the real reason for his dismissal was his fight against the nepotism and “cekhavikoba” (a term often used to denote corrupt, cronyistic, or closed-group practices) prevailing in the clinic, which, according to him, had previously caused other qualified colleagues to lose their jobs. The official reasons given to him, however, were complicated communication with the clinic’s administration and causing financial or reputational damage.
The doctor claims that during the last meeting, he was offered to sign an agreement on the termination of the contract and receive compensation, in exchange for remaining silent. Vashakmadze considered this offer insulting and refused.
Vashakmadze’s dismissal caused a public outcry. According to the cardiac surgeon, as a sign of solidarity, one of his colleagues, Ramaz Zosiashvili, participated in blocking the road on Rustaveli Avenue, for which law enforcement officers arrested him.
“Today was the final straw that made me decide to go against this government; the fact that Nika Vashakmadze was dismissed from his position as head of the cardiology service was the last drop, because that intellectual window that comes to us from Europe and Western medicine will soon close,” stated Ramaz Zosiashvili before his arrest.
Furthermore, the Georgian Society of Cardiology openly declared its full support and solidarity with the cardiac surgeon Nikoloz Vashakmadze. The Society of Cardiology appeals to the employer and demands an explanation, taking into account the high public interest.
The Georgian doctor working in America, Zurab Guruli, also responded to Vashakmadze’s dismissal, stating that “Nika Vashakmadze is not only an outstanding professional but also an outstanding citizen and person; and outstanding citizens are dangerous people. They have their own opinions, they can think freely and speak freely, and they will not refuse to fight principledly for these rights.”
Students also express support for Nikoloz Vashakmadze. Giorgi Kartlelishvili expressed his gratitude on social media to Nikoloz Vashakmadze, as his mentor, and notes that it is thanks to him that he is a resident today. In his opinion, Vashakmadze’s dismissal was “unexpected for everyone” and is causing “great uncertainty.”
FB: Nika Vashakmadze
