ECONOMIC BURDEN AND POLICY GAPS IN NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN GEORGIA: A HEALTH ECONOMICS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) present a significant economic challenge for healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Georgia. Beyond the health sector, the escalating burden of NCDs has substantial macroeconomic implications, including long-term fiscal pressure on public healthcare budgets, diminished labor market productivity, and increased poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. Collectively, these effects can impede national development and economic growth potential. This study employs a health economics perspective to examine the direct and indirect costs incurred by patients and caregivers, the economic inefficiencies of the current healthcare system, and the broader implications for labor productivity and national development. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—comprising literature review, qualitative focus group discussions, and quantitative survey—the study identifies key financial barriers, caregiving burdens, infrastructure deficiencies, and policy inadequacies.
The findings inform economic policy recommendations, including expanded public financing, improved cost-efficiency of NCD care, and enhanced integration of NCD prevention into national development strategies. The study advocates for urgent health system reforms that not only improve health outcomes but also mitigate the long-term economic impact of NCDs.