#47 | GMJ Podcast | Tskaltubo and the Future of Spa-Based Medicine — Radon Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Preventive Health

In this episode of the ⁠GMJ Podcast — the official podcast of the Georgian Medical Journal⁠ — we present a forward-looking analysis of Tskaltubo as a model for structured spa-based therapeutic systems, integrating radon balneotherapy, rehabilitation, and preventive health within an evidence-based framework.As healthcare systems increasingly shift toward prevention, rehabilitation, and integrated care models, traditional spa-based therapies are gaining renewed attention. This episode explores how Tskaltubo’s unique mineral water properties and clinical applications can be positioned within modern, standardized healthcare delivery systems.The discussion highlights the potential of radon balneotherapy and mineral-based interventions to support recovery, improve functional outcomes, and contribute to long-term health maintenance when applied within structured, evidence-based protocols.The episode examines key strategic and clinical considerations, including:• The role of Tskaltubo in modern rehabilitation and preventive healthcare• Mechanisms and clinical applications of radon balneotherapy• Integration of spa-based therapies into evidence-based medical systems• Standardization, quality assurance, and clinical governance• Economic and health system implications of therapeutic spa models• Opportunities for international positioning and medical tourismThe findings suggest that Tskaltubo has the potential to serve as a model for integrating traditional therapeutic resources into modern healthcare systems, provided that robust clinical evidence, standardized protocols, and governance frameworks are established.From a health systems perspective, this episode emphasizes the importance of aligning spa-based interventions with evidence-based medicine, quality standards, and international best practices.This episode highlights the opportunity to transform historically established therapeutic practices into structured, scalable, and internationally recognized healthcare services.https://gmj.ge/index.php/pub/article/view/25https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19116251Citation:Shavianidze, M., & Lomidze, G. (2026). Tskaltubo and the Future of Structured Spa-Based Therapeutic Systems: Integrating Radon Balneotherapy, Rehabilitation, and Preventive Health in Evidence-Based Care. The Georgian Medical Journal, 1(1), 151–168.https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19116251