A WHO-led awareness campaign to increase referrals for rehabilitation services in Georgia reached approximately 1000 health-care professionals in all 11 regions of the country. The workshops targeted primary health-care doctors and neurologists and focused on integrating person-centred rehabilitation services into Georgia’s health- and social-care systems. The campaign was conducted by the WHO Country Office in Georgia and the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, with participation from the Ken Walker University Clinic for Medical Rehabilitation. It targeted health workers from May to July 2023 in Georgia.
A report on the need for rehabilitation in the WHO European Region highlighted that almost half of Georgia’s population have at least one condition that would benefit from rehabilitation services. It also included updated information on initiatives related to rehabilitation, assistive technology and disability, as well as discussion of the new State Programme, launched in November 2022, which covers expenses for rehabilitation for 3 neurological conditions: stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
National Rehabilitation Strategy
An update on activities undertaken in the field of rehabilitation, assistive technology, and disability included governmental actions on implementing Georgia’s National Rehabilitation Strategy. Information was also provided about ongoing investments from USAID and ATscale in rehabilitation and assistive technology. Participants were reminded that rehabilitation can benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation can reduce functional difficulties associated with different health conditions and improve overall quality of life.
A detailed review of the new State Programme covering the 3 neurological conditions was provided and robust discussions were facilitated. The campaign aimed to ensure that health-care professionals in all regions have a comprehensive knowledge of the Programme to effectively guide patients in accessing rehabilitation services. It also aimed to provide information about State-covered services and facilitate improved rehabilitation outcomes for patients in all regions of the country.
There was a high level of interest, attendance and engagement from participants, further enhancing awareness and understanding of the need for rehabilitation support among health-care professionals nationwide. For example, as a result of the campaign, 2 rehabilitation service providers from the Ajara and Kvemo Kartli regions expressed interest in accessing the State Programme, thus also enhancing access to rehabilitation for people outside the capital, Tbilisi.
Although there are positive steps, rehabilitation services are not yet fully integrated into the health-care system of Georgia. With changes in government policies and awareness of how to help individuals to benefit from these changes, the people of Georgia will have better access to the rehabilitation they need, which will lead to a healthier, more productive society.