Nana, health ombudsman, Georgia

This is Nana Diasamidze. She’s a health ombudsman in Batumi, Georgia. It’s a complicated job, but to put it simply, she spends her time working to get health care for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. “I’m driven by the desire to help and represent poor people,” she says. “It’s essential that the government expands the range of medical services it provides so everyone can access quality health care. Healthy people make a healthy country.”

“I’m driven by the desire to help and represent poor people,” she says. “It’s essential that the government expands the range of medical services it provides so everyone can access quality health care. Healthy people make a healthy country.” In September 2006, the Georgian government began privatizing the country’s health system. It calculated that 15 per cent of people in the country live in absolute poverty, and pledged to provide free health care to them. However, some estimates suggest that as many as 35 per cent of people live in poverty, meaning the new system will leave many people unable to afford medical care. There are also questions over the free care provided by the government, which isn’t comprehensive and doesn’t cover the cost of some medicines. Many believe the new privatised system is failing Georgians, with the poorest people suffering most.As an ombudsman working for local organization Step Forward, Nana monitors people’s access to care in Batumi and the surrounding villages. “I help to protect, and advocate for, the rights of medical patients,” she explains. “I provide people with information and advice on their rights and on the benefits available to them. I tell them about existing local and national health programs. And I give out information and advocate for change.”

Talking frequently to people who are missing out on basic health care, Nana is convinced that the new system has to change. “The government needs to improve and modify state assistance to include families that do not presently qualify for it but are genuinely in need. The selection criteria must be designed to include everyone who is poor, and must guarantee access to insurance and state medical programs. The government should also ensure that people are provided with full and accurate information about state benefits and their rights.”The current situation shows some of the problems that can arise when free, good quality health care is not available to everyone. Nana shakes her head as she tells stories of people missing out on state treatment because they were unable to pay, but remains totally committed to her role. “I love my job and the work I do,” she says. “Every day that I am in a position to help people in need is a happy day.” 

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