1) The document evaluates Georgia's State Obstetric Care Programme for low-income populations. It aims to improve access to quality maternal healthcare services for poor and vulnerable groups. 2) The study assessed awareness, affordability, and satisfaction with the program through surveys of beneficiaries. It found that while awareness was reasonably high, many still faced financial barriers. 3) Stakeholders expressed concerns about regulations around the 200 GEL voucher for deliveries. Private hospitals may refuse patients with vouchers due to high costs of complicated deliveries. The government needs reforms to ensure equitable access to care.

1. Evaluation of State Obstetric Care Programme for the Population Living Below the Poverty Line in Georgia Simon Gabritchidze MD, MCHHM, Tamar Trapaidze MD, MPH 19 February, 2008

4. Infant deaths per 1000 live births Source: WHO/Europe, European HFA Database, November 2007 Georgia European Region EU CIS

5. Maternal deaths per 100000 live births Maternal deaths per 100000 live births Source: WHO/Europe, European HFA Database, November 2007 Georgia European Region EU CIS

6. Number of live births in Georgia, 1991-2006 years

12. Target groups 1st group – Women, who were identified as SOP beneficiaries, received “card for free medical service” All pregnancy and delivery related medical and non medical expenses were covered by the public funds 2nd group – Women who applied for and received maternity cards, which is suppose to cover delivery medical expenses only; 3rd group – Women, who did not apply/received any benefits from the State programs and paid for all services privately.

13. Survey Results/Main Findings

14. Socio-economic characteristics

15. Age distributions of respondents

16. Employment status of respondents

17. Employment status of respondents’ spouse

19. Awareness

22. Affordability

24. Main barriers associated with deliveries – group II

25. Out-of-pocket payments

28. Necessity of informal payments as perceived by the respondents

29. Necessity of informal payments as perceived by the respondents

31. Why did not you request medical card? 1=no financial need 2=financial need, but not satisfied with conditions 3=other

33. Medical Service Satisfaction

37. Stakeholders opinion survey

40. Deliveries in Batumi and Zugdidi clinics (1 year)

52. Thank you for attention simongabrichidze @welfarefoundation.org.ge [email_address]