Announcement on the Procurement of Duchenne Medications: Accessibility and Patient Information

According to Imedi's report of 7 October 2026, the Minister of Health announced the conclusion of negotiations for the procurement of Givonostat and Vamorolone for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. According to him, the exchange of signed documents and the organisation of supply remained. This announcement is not confirmation of the immediate distribution of the preparations to patients or the identification of all recipients.

What does the procurement announcement mean for the patient?

Negotiation, conclusion of a contract, supply to the country, and individual patient treatment are distinct stages. The current conditions of the programme, recipient criteria, the decision-making body, and the supply schedule need to be clarified. The public announcement does not establish a specific deadline or uniform clinical suitability for all patients.

What information should the patient receive?

Article 18 of the Law on Patient Rights includes understandable information about service resources, forms of reception, expected effectiveness, risks, and alternatives. The administrative status of procurement and the clinical expediency of specific treatment should be distinct questions. A single announcement cannot replace an individual discussion with a doctor.

Article 22 of the Law provides for informed consent and, where appropriate, defines the participation of a legal representative. Consent requires an understanding of the information; the content of consent cannot be formed solely by news of the acquisition of a new medicine. This article does not provide dosage, treatment choices, or promises of a cure.

International Obligation and Specific Programme Conditions

Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which is binding on Georgia, concerns the right to health, while Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child protects children's health and medical care. These obligations do not establish an automatic rule for the unconditional supply of a specific preparation to all persons. Programme criteria and actual accessibility must be assessed with appropriate documentation.

Families can ask the relevant agency about the rules for inclusion in the programme, the necessary medical documents, and the procedure for responding to an application. The assessment of an individual refusal requires a written basis. It is not necessary to publicly disclose excessive health details. The conclusion concerns the rights to information and procedure; further official materials are needed to confirm actual supply.

Related clarification: Crossing the border with controlled medication for personal needs.

Verification Date

Legislation verified as of 10 October 2026.