The Project builds upon the results achieved from the implementation of the previous CoE actions in Georgia, namely the EU-CoE JP “Human rights and healthcare in prisons and other closed institutions in Georgia” implemented in two phases between 2010-2017, and the VC project “Improving mental health care of persons detained in Georgia” implemented during 2018-2019. The previous projects supported to develop mental health care policies in prisons and other closed institutions and to improve the prison staff’ knowledge and skills to handle mental health-related issues better.

The current Project will assist the Special Penitentiary Service (Ministry of Justice) of Georgia in further improvement of healthcare services within the penitentiary system with a particular focus on mental healthcare.

It will also assist development and application of treatment of drug and alcohol addictions while strengthening of harm-reduction approach.

attention will be paid to the continuation of the suicide prevention programmes and training for the psychologists and medical personnel employed in the system.

The Project offers targeted solutions to:

• the improved access of inmates to quality psychiatric care and treatment programmes;
• establishment of an effective quality internal control mechanism on the provision of health care.

This Project will be implemented within 24 months, with an overall budget of 600 000 Euros financed by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2016-2019.