Effective communication between a doctor and a patient is one of the most fundamental aspects of medical practice. This principle lies at the core of the mission of Tbilisi Medical Academy, which is committed to promoting equal opportunities and inclusive education. In line with this vision, the Academy, in cooperation with the Georgian Union of the Deaf, has introduced an elective course in Georgian Sign Language, which became part of the curriculum starting from the Spring Semester of 2026.

Tbilisi Medical Academy is currently the first medical university in Georgia to officially incorporate sign language into its curriculum. This initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to develop the skills necessary for inclusive and accessible communication in their future professional practice. The course is offered to students in the eighth, ninth, and tenth semesters, the majority of whom have already selected it as an elective. Some student groups have successfully completed the first stage of the course.

Amiran Batatunashvili, President of the Georgian Union of the Deaf, and Maia Metonidze, Vice President attended the first round of examinations and emphasized the importance and future relevance of sign language proficiency, particularly for medical professionals.

“The majority of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals report that communication with medical personnel is often challenging, primarily due to language barriers. Patients frequently require private and confidential consultations with their doctors, yet they are not always able to access such communication. Even with the involvement of an interpreter, information is not always conveyed fully or accurately, and opportunities to ask follow-up questions remain limited. For deaf patients, it is especially important that communication with a doctor be direct and fully confidential. Creating an environment where they can receive medical care on equal terms with other patients is essential,” — Amiran Batatunashvili, President of the Georgian Union of the Deaf.

In 2025, Tbilisi Medical Academy and the Georgian Union of the Deaf signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at promoting sign language, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering effective communication with the hearing-impaired community.

“The cooperation between the Georgian Union of the Deaf and Tbilisi Medical Academy has proven to be highly successful. The majority of students have chosen Georgian Sign Language as their elective course. This means that the Academy’s graduates will be able to communicate freely with patients who have hearing impairments,” — Maia Metonidze, Vice President of the Georgian Union of the Deaf.

The introduction of sign language teaching was co-organized by the Georgian Student Association of Public Health (GSAPH), led by Academy alumni and students. The association actively collaborates with both the Academy and the Georgian Union of the Deaf, implementing joint initiatives that promote inclusiveness and equal access in healthcare.