The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili responded to widespread information that the Gudushauri National Medical Center accepted a patient Aslan Jioev, who is the Head of Akhalgori’s so-called governors Philip Khachirov’s security service.

"The State Referral Program for free health care to the people from the occupied territories of Georgia is being implemented for years. It is an important direction of our engagement peace policy, functioning effectively and will continue in the future as a humanitarian program whose goal is to help the population with their vital importance needs.

Patients from the occupied territories are transported every day and in particularly heavy cases – with the help of the Red Cross. Life-saving or urgent medical services do not depend on family ties or similar relationships.

I also want to say that if there is some suspicion about the person – and previously we had such cases - we shall not use medical instruments for punitive purposes but have a legal response. It seems that some people are disseminating unverified and unsubstantiated information, creating a stir and tension regarding very sensitive and important issues

It is necessary to take more responsibility in order certain speculations not be harmful to citizens living in the occupied territories.