Screening means saving lives - Director of the Center for Disease Control and Public Health Irakli Purtseladze

Director General of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Irakli Purtseladze, spoke about the screening program underway across the country. According to him, this initiative is unprecedented for the country.

“This is truly extremely important for our population. This is the first time a project of this scale and technological capabilities is underway,” noted the head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.

Irakli Purtseladze also spoke about the goals of the project. According to him, the screening conducted across the country will expand the geographical availability of the service and raise public awareness.

“Screening is carried out when a person does not have symptoms. This is the main essence of prevention – detecting the disease at an early stage. In addition, early diagnosis significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment – ​​early detection of breast cancer provides a 95 percent success rate, and in the case of cervical cancer – almost 100 percent. Screening means saving lives,” said Irakli Purtseladze.

The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health began screening in various areas across the country and in the regions on March 16. Citizens are completely free of charge: screening for infectious diseases (hepatitis B and C, HIV infection), breast and cervical cancer, as well as preventive examinations for non-communicable diseases. The examinations are conducted on-site by qualified medical personnel using modern methods and standards and will be available until November 15. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases detected as a result of screening are financed by various state programs.

National programs for early detection and management of cancer provide funding for both screening and treatment.

Control of non-communicable diseases is available at the primary healthcare level, while diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases (hepatitis B and C and HIV infection) are funded by state programs, ensuring broad access to necessary services for the population.

Detailed information on specific cities and dates is provided at the link.