Georgia takes complete control over opioid substitution treatment
Georgia's Opioid Treatment Program Now Exclusively Managed by the State
As of August 15, 2025, Georgia's opioid substitution treatment program has been fully transferred to state management, with all private substitution therapy centers closing down [1][2][4][5]. This move comes in response to concerns about potential misconduct in the supply of narcotics.
The Georgian Dream party made this decision on June 25, following reasonable social suspicions that some private providers were supplying narcotics legally but not focusing on patient recovery [1]. According to party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze, these suspicions centered on private companies prioritizing narcotic supply over treatment [1].
Minister of Health Mikheil Sarjveladze confirmed that the majority of patients previously served by private providers have applied to receive state services. As of the latest update, 1,512 people have enrolled in the state-managed program [1]. Around 100 patients have not consented to continue treatment, but the state has simplified enrollment procedures until August 22 for those facing obstacles [1].
The state-managed opioid treatment program in Georgia is still provided free of charge to beneficiaries. However, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze has not yet made any official statements regarding the potential impact of the exclusion of private providers on the overall efficiency of the program.
It is important to note that no current information from the results suggests further allegations or legal actions against private providers beyond the suspicion that motivated the state takeover. The state now fully controls the substitution therapy program, aiming for improved oversight and patient care quality [1][2].
Despite the closure of private therapy centers, the state-managed opioid treatment program in Georgia continues to operate, providing essential services to those battling opioid addiction. The Georgian government remains committed to ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the program, focusing on the recovery and well-being of its beneficiaries.
[1] News Source: Georgia Today [2] News Source: The Georgian Times [4] News Source: The National Health Journal [5] News Source: The State Health Bulletin
- As Georgia prioritizes mental health and wellness, the state-managed opioid treatment program could potentially incorporate therapies and treatments to bolster patient recovery, given the recently exposed concerns about the quality of care provided by private centers.
- To further enhance the state-managed opioid treatment program's focus on health-and-wellness, the government could consider partnering with science institutions to explore innovative therapies and treatments for mental health and substance use disorders.
