Mikheil Sarjveladze Appointed as Georgia's New Health Minister

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze revealed Mikheil Sarjveladze's appointment as the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Health, Labour, and Social Affairs. Sarjveladze steps into the role previously held by Zurab Azarashvili.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze detailed the extensive consultation process leading to Sarjveladze's selection during a press briefing. Discussions took place within the political sphere and among medical community representatives, focusing on whether the new minister should emerge from healthcare backgrounds. Opinions were split; some argued for a healthcare professional, while others saw merit in candidates from different fields.

"After deliberating over the consultations, I concluded that candidates from both the medical community and other sectors could suitably fill the ministerial post. Ultimately, I decided on Mikheil Sarjveladze, a trusted member of our political team whose professionalism and integrity I can vouch for from personal experience," stated Prime Minister Kobakhidze.

This decision comes in the wake of Zurab Azarashvili's departure on March 1, driven by the medical community's expressed concerns over his communication approach, with the situation at the Republican Hospital highlighting broader issues.