Minister on Free Medical Services Freezing

It is clearly stated what volume of state orders a given medical organization should execute, and healthcare facilities must do everything possible to remain within these contractual budget limits, as everyone understands that the budget is limited. This was announced today by Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan during a press briefing after a government session, addressing the exhaustion of funds allocated for state orders.

“We need to have a clear forecast and discipline in executing budgetary resources. A letter was sent mid-year for healthcare facilities to stay within their contractual amounts and to serve based on the principle of queuing, depending on the flow of applications, which is applicable and preferable. We need to have mechanisms for correctly planning surgical interventions for scheduled examinations so that during the year, individuals in need of urgent medical assistance are served based on this principle, while citizens who can wait a certain time for planned medical assistance should pass through the queuing principle,” said the minister.

The minister noted that there is an observable increase in morbidity and demand for services, and the ministry is taking all necessary measures to fulfill its obligations to its citizens.

It is worth recalling that Yerevan.Today reported that the state has accrued debts of 4 billion drams to large medical institutions. Since August 1, the Ministry of Health has refused to provide services to injured service members and to perform heart surgeries and hard-to-access diagnostic tests (MRI, CT) for individuals in special categories. A law from 2004 is temporarily set to be suspended by internal regulation, as indicated by a letter issued by the Ministry of Health.