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Giorgi Pkhakadze (born June 16, 1976) is a Georgian public health expert, medical doctor, and professor, known for his work in health system strengthening, healthcare accreditation, and public health promotion. With over 20 years of experience, he has contributed to healthcare programs and policies in various regions, including Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Pkhakadze is the founder and chair of the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) and a global advocate for healthcare accreditation and patient-centered care.
Early Life and Education Giorgi Pkhakadze was born in 1976 in Kutaisi, Georgia. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Health from the University of Madras, Chennai, India, focusing his research on “Poverty, Migration, and HIV/AIDS in South India.” He also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal, with a thesis on “Poverty, Migration, and HIV/AIDS in Dadeldhura District." Pkhakadze completed his Medical Doctor (MD) degree, specializing in General Surgery at "L&C" University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Career World Health Organization (WHO) As a consultant for WHO's Health and Migration Department since 2022, Pkhakadze has been involved in developing and operationalizing global competency standards for health workers. His role includes providing technical support for the WHO's Health and Migration Programme developing e-learning modules, and conducting in-country assessments on competency standards.
Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG) & Accreditation Canada In 2011, Pkhakadze founded PHIG to enhance the quality of Georgia's healthcare system. Under his leadership, PHIG has introduced international healthcare accreditation standards and a Continued Medical Education (CME) credit system for Georgian hospitals. As of 2023, he officially represents Accreditation Canada in Georgia, guiding over 23 hospitals to international accreditation.
Relief International In 2024, Pkhakadze joined the Board of Directors of Relief International, an organization focused on building resilience in communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. He plays an integral role in shaping the organization's governance and strategy.
Sheni Media Holding In addition to his healthcare work, Pkhakadze is the founder of "Sheni" (meaning “Yours” in Georgian). This independent public health media platform disseminates evidence-based health information across 13 websites and social media platforms. Sheni targets various communities within Georgia, delivering accessible public health content in simple language to improve health literacy and promote healthier lifestyles.
Academic Contributions Pkhakadze is a professor and head of the School of Public Health at David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) in Georgia, where he established the school and coordinated research in public health and epidemiology. He also published the first Georgian Public Health Dictionary and has authored numerous academic papers and public health resources on topics such as HIV, accountability, health systems, and primary healthcare.
International Roles Pkhakadze serves on several international boards and panels, including the Independent Review Committee for GAVI, the Independent Assessment Committee for the Pneumococcal Advanced Market Commitment (AMC), and as a senior health expert for the European Union Delegation. He served as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel (IAP) His expertise is sought after by organizations like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations.
Publications and Media Presence Pkhakadze is a published researcher with articles in fields including public health, HIV prevention, health systems strengthening, and poverty alleviation. He also actively engages with the public through social media, maintaining a following of over 500,000 users across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
References and External Links
edit- Accreditation Canada (Official website): www.accreditation.ca
- Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG): Overview of accreditation work: www.accreditation.ge
- GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance: Contributions to global health: www.gavi.org
- World Health Organization (WHO): Refugee and Migrant Health Program: www.who.int
- Sheni Media Holding (Evidence-based public health platform): www.sheniekimi.ge