Heart Stenting Prices Reduced

The Ministry of Health has addressed the recent video report by ArmNews titled "An Unhealthy Atmosphere in the Healthcare System: Where is the State Budget Money Going?" released on January 7. Below is the ministry's statement:

“We will once again refer to the video report by ArmNews dated January 7, titled 'An Unhealthy Atmosphere in the Healthcare System: Where is the State Budget Money Going?' Yes, the Ministry of Health is determined to implement significant reforms. Over the past year and a half, various changes have been made aimed at developing the sector and maintaining the health of the population. Undoubtedly, implementing all this requires ideas, programs, professional potential, and financial resources.

Now, let us discuss the facts. Disinformation 2. The cost of heart stenting is not related to the state, as the importers of stents and service providers have reached a trust agreement, and the volumes have increased due to the expansion of the healthcare budget.

Response: Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including the implementation and development of heart stenting services within the framework of state orders, is a state policy aimed at improving health indicators. Regarding the claim that 'the cost of stenting is not related to the state, as stent importers and service providers reached a trust agreement,' it should be noted that negotiations were conducted by the Ministry of Health. As a result, on June 28, 2018, a trilateral memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Health, 10 suppliers of stenting materials, and 11 medical institutions providing stenting services under state orders. The memorandum aims to ensure the provision of stenting services guaranteed by the state at low or privileged conditions with more affordable prices and higher quality products.

From July 2018, the 'urgent heart surgeries (with stent placement)' program also included the placement of drug-coated stents and has revised the pricing policy, resulting in a 30.55% reduction in the cost of coronary vessel stenting services with one drug-coated stent. The pricing policy has been developed based on calculations for the costing of services. The increase in the volume of stenting services is attributed to the pricing policy, increased financing, intensified awareness efforts, and enhancements in diagnostic instrumentation.

As a result, approximately 6000 people have undergone heart surgeries under state orders.”