About the Palliative Care in Georgia

Rustavi 2, Program “Post scriptum”, February  5, 2011. Authors: Ana Asatiani, Nika Lebanidze, David Kikalishvili.

The report tells about development of the field of palliative care. How this direction of the medicine has been evolving in Georgia over 12 years. What are international best practices and who is taking care to support this field. The spot unfolds the drama of palliative patient Maka Makharashvili and his jailed husband, who was granted free legal aid and had an opportunity to meet each other at the final stage of Maka’s life.

Opening remark of the reporter: “A free legal service is only one small component of palliative care.  The new field appeared in the Georgian health care system 12 years ago.  The initiative belongs to the Open Society Georgia Foundation.  Palliative care implies care for people suffering with terminal illnesses, for whom pain relief is the only alternative the medicine can offer”.

Respondents:

• Mother of the patient- Maka Makharashvili, Director of Oncological center, Palliative Clinic- Rema Ghvamichava.
• Dr. Frank Ferris- Doctor at San Diego Palliative Care Medicine Institute
• Mother Paraskeva- the nun from Tranfiguration Monastery, Palliative Care Hospice
• Palliative patients and their family members

Rustavi 2, “Post Scriptum” After two weeks, February 19, 2011. Authors: Lasha Kveseladze, David Kikalishvili

The first report (February 5, 2011) aired by the Post Scriptum raised questions among journalists. Two weeks later, the Post Scriptum suggested investigation that gives facts and comments by related actors to uncover reasons. Reporter’s comment:”We found it strange that most of the beds are empty in the institution, where severely diseased cancer patients getting financial support from the state should be relieving their physical and moral pain.”

The story unveils that reason for empty wards is suspension of state program that should fund care costs.

Respondents:

• Patients and family members
• Head of Ministry of Health Social Service Agency Moris Tsamalashvili
• Soso Abesadze (Head of the Palliative Care Service, the Cancer Prevention Center)
• Nina Kiknadze- Open Society Georgia Foundation
• Eka Todadze, head of the Department of Palliative Care
• Maka Maghlakelidze (Deputy Director for Cancer Control, the Oncology National Center)
• Tamar Rukhadze (Head of the Palliative Care Service, the Oncology National Center)
• Moris Tsamalashvili (Head of the Social Service Agency, the Deputy Minister of Health, Labor and Social Affairs)
• Guliko Merabishvili (the Manager of the Palliative Care Service, the Oncology National Center)

Rustavi 2, Courier, 09:00pm. February 21, 2011.  Authors: Eka Gagua, Diana Jojua, Zaal Udumashvili

Post Scriptum reports were followed by the news story aired by Rustavi 2 in its news program “Courier”. The story shows engagement of the Health Minister in this issue:

1. The Minister personally visited cancer clinics to sort out the issue and deal with the communication problem between the Ministry and the clinics.
2. The Minister ordered his employees to spend most of their work time in hospitals in communication with patients and staff members.
3. The Minister has made the decision according to which all patients who covered their treatment costs themselves in February in palliative care centers, will get back 70% of the amount from the state.

Respondents:

• Andria Urushadze (the Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs)
• Maka Maghlakelidze (Deputy Director for Cancer Control, the Oncology National Center)
• Moris Tsamalashvili (the Deputy Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs)
• Maka Maghlakelidze
• (The Deputy Director for Cancer Control, the Oncology National Center)
• Mikheil Shavdia (head of the Palliative Care Department)
• Tamar Rukhadze (head of the Palliative Care Department, the Oncology National Center)