According to a study conducted in 2013, there are approximately 840 children living with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition that are in need of palliative in the country of Georgia. These saddening statistics led to the recent opening of the only children’s palliative care unit in the country.
The 10 bed unit is situated in the quiet city of Tbilisi, and will officially open on the 1st of February. The unit will be the only place in Georgia providing 24/7 free children’s palliative care to patients under the age of 18.
At last week’s opening ceremony, Maka Chichua, Georgia’s first lady, gave an emotional speech about the importance of finally getting a place that offers high standards of care for the children of Georgia living with life-limiting conditions. Maka Chichua said, “I can’t speak without being brought to tears. I am very emotional today. This is a great example of humanity and support. However public awareness regarding this kind of problem is still very poor in this country and I would wish for people to get to know more about it, and get united to help and support kids who suffer lifelong diseases and help them easily get through it. I wish people will not die alone.”
The building of the unit was coordinated by a dedicated group of local individuals, businesses and other organizations. It is funded by the Open Society Georgia Foundation and the Evex Medical Corporation situated in Georgia.
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