2021-01-13
The National Healthcare Agency has started distributing free cardioverter-defibrillators, vitally important expensive heart devices meeting Western standards.
The simple device issuance procedure does not require direct involvement from patients. Instead, doctors, after making a decision to perform a surgery, makes an electronic request on behalf of the given patient. The request is upheld by the agency and ensures safe defibrillator delivery to the medical facility.
Citizens no longer need to pay clinics for cardioverter-defibrillators, only covering medical service fees, as prescribed by their universal healthcare package and set at 0 to 20%, judging by their social status. Said benefits apply to those defined under the Government's Decrees ## 165 and 218.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are effective in protecting from sudden cardiac death caused by severe arrhythmias. These "resuscitators implanted inside the body" carry out automated procedures to save lives in emergency situations. Immediately upon detecting even the slightest abnormal heart rhythms, the device generates painless electrical impulses. If necessary, this smart device switches to more active measures to restore healthy heart rhythms.
The National Healthcare Agency has been provided with defibrillators manufactured by one of the leading US-based companies, tries and approved by the world's top clinics, and commended by specialists.
The changes described above, along with setting generalized fees on this and other services at various clinics engaged in the universal healthcare program, have significantly cut the expenses of beneficiaries, a sizeable weight off the population's shoulders, consequently cutting their personal expenses on cardiosurgical services by over 2.5 million GEL.
The project designed to distribute free cardioverter-defibrillators among beneficiaries stems from the Government's Decree #520 focusing on the long-term development and empowerment of the healthcare sector.