In response to the question on a problem with the ordering system/ procedures, we’ve discussed with Ministry of health and they confirmed that to achieve its elimination goal, the country of Georgia had the targets: a) identifying 90% of HCV-infected persons; b) treating 95% of people with chronic HCV infection, and c) curing 95% of persons treated of their HCV infection.

The National seroprevalence survey (in 2015) estimated 7.7% of the population were anti-HCV positive and 5.4% chronically infected (PCR positive), equivalent to approximately 150,000 chronically infected adults.  Reaching all three elimination targets would require testing over one million Georgians, diagnosing about 133,000 patients, treating approximately 126,000 patients, and curing about 120,000 patients. Considering above mentioned Goals and based on expert opinion it was initially agreed with Gilead that the Ministry was ordering projected amount of medications.

Also, the Ministry confirmed that later there was the disruption of supply affecting all of the markets not only in Georgia but Vietnam and Egypt too. And due to the shortage of “Epclusa” Gilead suggests providing Generic medicines, even though there was a delay due to transportation of the first stock. Currently, the Ministry has made a third order and there are no more delays.

Additionally, Gilead made a public statement supporting the Georgian government and the program in the future too.

I've communicated with Eka Adamia and CC-ed her on this email for awareness.