On January 21, 2024, the organization “Union for Life,” which advocates for the rights of oncology patients, announced that the Ministry of Health had not fulfilled its promise given to cancer patients: starting from January 1, treatment would not be fully funded but instead covered only within an annual limit of 25,000 GEL. In addition, their demand was to eliminate the recurring shortages of essential cancer medication. To voice these demands, a rally was held on International Cancer Day, February 4, in front of the Parliament.

The next protest took place on February 12 in front of the Government Administration. In the following days, people continued gathering at the Ministry of Health and later again at the Parliament and the Government Administration. Throughout this period, oncology patients were demanding a meeting with government representatives.

“We do not have the right to give up this fight, because if we give up, it means that many people will die due to the indifference and negligence of the Ministry of Health!” the oncology patients said.

On March 12, the newly appointed Minister, Mikheil Sarjveladze, and his deputy, Tamar Gabunia, met with the oncology patients.

On April 5, the Minister of Health held a briefing and stated that the ministry would keep the 25,000 GEL funding limit unchanged, but the cost of certain medications — those that the ministry was already purchasing — would no longer be deducted from that amount.

“In practice, this eliminates the possibility that, due to the limit, a fully state-funded treatment course becomes inaccessible for any patient,” the Minister of Health said.

Oncology patients also held a rally on May 30 in front of the Parliament building, when Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze was speaking during a parliamentary session as part of the “Minister’s Hour.” According to them, the problems regarding treatment funding and medication shortages persisted because some of the required medicines remained difficult to obtain. On July 19, the Minister of Health issued an order that took effect on July 24, ensuring that oncology patients would receive medications directly in the medical facilities and would no longer need to collect them from pharmacies. According to him, efforts to improve conditions for oncology patients would continue.