Arabkir Medical Center Apologizes for Rude Response to Patient's Relative

The Arabkir Medical Center's public relations department has provided clarification in response to the article published in the "Fact" newspaper titled, "Why Have Prices Increased at Arabkir?".

"We officially inform that regarding the expression mentioned in the article, 'If you know of another cheaper place, go there; these are the prices here,' the management of the medical center has conducted the necessary investigations but has not identified anyone who made such a statement. At the same time, the center's management finds it unacceptable to respond to a patient or their relative in such a manner, and if any of the employees have permitted themselves to make such a remark, the management apologizes for it.

As for the price changes, yes, we have had changes within reasonable limits, not doubling.

At the Arabkir Medical Center, about 90 percent of pediatric medical services are provided exclusively for free under the state commission.

Our observations have shown that both at the Arabkir Medical Center and at other large medical institutions in Armenia, which provide extensive medical services under the state commission, there has been a recent movement of specialists. Skilled and experienced professionals are forming small specialized medical organizations where they provide their services exclusively on a paid basis—at prices several times higher than our center's recently adjusted prices.

Considering this phenomenon and taking into account natural competition, the Arabkir Medical Center is implementing a clear internal policy aimed at preventing the outflow of the best specialists, which enables it to participate in the main goal of the healthcare system: preserving children's health in our country and reducing disability and mortality.

Taking this opportunity, we would like to inform that all types of payments at the Arabkir Medical Center are recorded in the cash register, and about 70 percent of the increased amount due to price changes is directed towards raising the salaries of the medical staff, while the rest is aimed at improving the medical services provided in the center.