Economy
Posted: 3 months ago

The Budget of the New Hepatitis B State Program is ₾1.32 million - What will this Amount be Used For?

The state will allocate 1.32 million GEL to the hepatitis B management program. This funding is provided by the amendments made to Government Resolution No. 169 of April 20, 2015, "On the Approval of the State Hepatitis Management Program," which were adopted on April 3, 2024.

According to the program, 1.32 million GEL is allocated for the management of hepatitis B. Of this amount, 920,000 GEL is designated for the identification, diagnosis, and monitoring of beneficiaries, while 400,000 GEL is allocated for the purchase of hepatitis B medication, tests, and consumables. In total, the state budget for hepatitis management is 5 million GEL.

The state hepatitis B management program includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Screening for HBsAg is financed within the framework of the program. This component applies to individuals who have not previously been diagnosed with hepatitis B. If the test is negative, they are tested for antibodies, and if the test is negative, they are vaccinated against hepatitis B through the state immunization program.

People with chronic hepatitis B who have been diagnosed at least six months ago are eligible for the following services in the first stage:

  • Doctor's consultation
  • Liver examination
  • Ultrasonographic examination of abdominal organs

Based on the results of these examinations, the need for additional tests and treatments will be determined and financed within the framework of the state program. Antiviral drugs will be available starting September 2024.