There will be some easing of the rules regarding the prescription of a two-week supply of psychotropic medications, though this does not amount to complete liberalization in this area – Mikheil Sarjveladze

"About a year ago, on the initiative of the Prime Minister, we made the decision to take responsibility for and implement control over the circulation of psychotropic medications. Commercial interests are now less of a driving force behind increased consumption," stated Minister of Health Mikheil Sarjveladze.

According to Sarjveladze, as a result of the Prime Minister's initiative and the strict regulations that were introduced, the circulation of psychotropic medications has come under rigorous control, which has curtailed commercial interests.

The Minister noted that, for the majority of the 18 psychotropic drugs in question, the country was seeing consumption levels that far exceeded the norms established by the World Health Organization. However, data from recent months indicates that consumption has stabilized—dropping from 18 to 17 medications—and has moved closer to the standards established by the World Health Organization.

Regarding the regulation that limits the prescription of psychotropic medications to a two-week supply, the Minister explained that, despite the inconvenience it caused, the decision has yielded highly significant benefits for the country.

"The relevant documentation has been prepared, and the decision will be adopted in the near future. While some relief will be introduced, it will not amount to complete liberalization in this area. A significant positive outcome has been achieved—even though it stemmed from a difficult and inconvenient decision, it has ultimately proven to be highly beneficial," stated Mikheil Sarjveladze.

The Minister added that the state will continue to monitor and oversee these processes to ensure that patients with genuine medical needs are not subjected to undue hardship.