Torosyan Speaks on When the Coronavirus Vaccine Will Arrive in Armenia

Positive dynamics related to coronavirus numbers are being observed in Armenia; however, the healthcare system continues to operate under strain. In an interview with Armenpress, Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan noted that according to the latest data, out of 4,109 tests, 1,589 new cases have been recorded. The minister indicated that the percentage among the total tests is declining, with an absolute number dropping as well.

"In any case, the number of our citizens waiting for hospitalization is large. According to today’s data, we have 375 citizens on the hospitalization waiting list. Among them, 25 are in serious condition. Hopefully, we will be able to hospitalize them today. I can say that just a few days ago, the number of those waiting exceeded 800, so we are also seeing a decrease here. Yes, there are reductions in various indicators; however, the burden on the hospital fund is not easing. Severe cases are staying for a long time, lasting weeks, and we still do not feel relief on the system," said Arsen Torosyan.

According to the minister, this positive dynamic is also relative. Schools for younger grades have reopened, and children are attending school, which could lead to a phase where middle and high school openings occur, adding extra pressure on the system. All healthcare institutions engaged in coronavirus treatment are operating at maximum capacity. The minister stated that currently, one of the biggest challenges is providing oxygen to medical centers. For the majority of hospitalized citizens, oxygen is a priority. According to the minister, without oxygen, medications cannot be beneficial.

"We will soon receive several oxygen stations. By the end of December, we will have four large stations. I would like to note that in May and June, we purchased many stations; however, since we did not anticipate such high numbers, we had relied on the existing supply. The high numbers are due not only to natural growth but also to the state of war, which in many cases led to a failure to adhere to the rules. We must try to confront this ongoing challenge. I want to emphasize that we do not know when the end of this challenge will come," he said.

The minister stressed the importance of not easing efforts until a solution is found, whether through vaccination or treatment, although he considers the likelihood of the latter less probable. Instead, he noted that there are already some movements regarding the vaccine. Work is underway, agreements for acquisition have been made, and they will most likely arrive in Armenia by mid-spring.

Regarding testing, Arsen Torosyan stated that the country does not have a problem with a lack of tests, and new laboratories for testing are continuing to open.