Prepared by Messenger Staff
Parents of Children with DMD Demand State-Funded Treatment
Parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are intensifying protests, most recently rallying outside the Government Administration on March 28. The group is demanding a meeting with Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the resignation of Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze over the state's failure to provide access to modern, internationally approved treatments.
Zakro Gvishiani, chair of the Let's Fight Against DMD organization, has issued a five-day window for a meeting with the Prime Minister, warning of continuous street protests and tent encampments if the demand is not met. The urgency follows the recent death of 17-year-old Avtandil Bregadze, which families say underscores the need for "life-saving" intervention for the approximately 100 children living with the condition in Georgia.
While the Health Ministry granted DMD patients immediate disability status and a monthly allowance of GEL 425 in February 2025, parents argue that this support is insufficient. They are calling for the state to fund newer, FDA- and EMA-approved medications like Givinostat and Vamorolone, which can slow the progression of the muscle-wasting disease. Currently, the state funds Deflazacort, which parents claim has limited effectiveness and significant side effects.
Georgian Dream Health Minister Sarjveladze previously stated that including these high-cost treatments in state programs is currently unfeasible, citing their recent emergence and conflicting information regarding their efficacy. However, the Social Justice Center, a human rights watchdog, maintains that the state has a legal obligation to guarantee equal access to high-quality, financially accessible healthcare to safeguard the right to life.
Chairman of Adjara's Supreme Council Resigns
Davit Gabaidze, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, announced his resignation during a briefing on March 30. Gabaidze, who has held the position since 2016, stated that his decision followed lengthy consultations with his team and a personal desire for a career change after nearly a decade in the role.
During the announcement, Gabaidze dismissed rumors of internal friction, specifically denying that his resignation was linked to a "clan" or his relationship with Tornike Rizhvadze. He noted that he was appointed to his position before Rizhvadze became the Chairman of the Government of Adjara. Gabaidze intends to remain in the Supreme Council as a member for the time being while considering future offers from his team.
Tsotne Ananidze, a fellow member of the Georgian Dream party and current Chairman of the Human Rights Protection Committee, is reportedly being considered as Gabaidze's successor. Gabaidze expressed support for Ananidze's potential candidacy, noting that the final decision rests with the parliamentary majority.
