Addressing Healthcare Accessibility and Efficiency Challenges in Georgia's Mountainous Regions: A Comparative Review of Imereti and Adjara

Abstract

Mountainous regions, as geographically isolated and structurally vulnerable spaces, present a highly complex context for ensuring equitable health outcomes. In Georgia, these regions are characterized by limited physical access to medical services, acute personnel shortages, and uneven infrastructural development, which directly impacts the population's health status.

This paper evaluates the systemic barriers within the healthcare sectors of Imereti and Adjara and analyzes strategic opportunities for improvement. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative indicators with qualitative insights.

The research focuses on three pivotal dimensions:

1. Health Literacy: Examining public awareness levels and their influence on the rational utilization of services.
2. Technological Integration: Assessing the potential of telemedicine and digital platforms to bridge geographical gaps.
3. Preventive Strategies: Evaluating the role of primary healthcare in early diagnosis and the optimization of systemic costs.

The paper introduces the Highland Health Resilience Model (HHRM), which integrates digital innovation and health literacy as primary drivers for systemic transformation. The research demonstrates that incorporating prevention-oriented approaches significantly reduces the rate of avoidable hospitalizations and optimizes limited medical resources. This model establishes a robust framework for implementing person-centered management, which is critical for overcoming barriers imposed by geographical isolation. From an economic perspective, the implementation of the HHRM facilitates the reduction of transactional costs and enhances the financial sustainability of the regional healthcare system.

The paper concludes with evidence-based recommendations for policymakers aimed at reducing regional health inequalities and enhancing system resilience, in direct alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 4, and 10).