Kobakhidze Meets Kwasniewski: Opioid Substitution Therapy Benefits 14,000 Patients

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Alexander Kwasniewski, former President of Poland and Chair of the Commission on Drug Policy for Eastern and Central Europe and Central Asia. Information about the meeting was disseminated by the Government Administration.

The meeting discussed regional cooperation and existing challenges in the field of drug policy. Emphasis was placed on the importance of coordinated action against the illegal drug trade and organized crime, including systematic exchange of information between partner countries and close cooperation with international organizations.

According to the Government Administration, the efforts of the Georgian government to implement a balanced drug policy were noted: prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, harm reduction, and supply restriction. When speaking about steps taken in the areas of healthcare and rehabilitation, state funding for opioid substitution therapy was mentioned, which approximately 14,000 patients use.

The conversation also touched on the results of the fight against drug crime. In 2026, criminal prosecution for drug crimes was initiated against 7,438 persons, while 1,409 persons involved in the illegal drug trade in various forms have been detained.

The meeting was attended by Levan Zhorzholiani, Head of the Government Administration.