Inconsistency in COVID-19 Fatality Statistics; Pashinyan Orders Investigation

During a government meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan instructed Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan to investigate why the National Statistical Committee and the Ministry of Health have reported differing numbers of COVID-19 fatalities.

We reported that, according to the National Statistical Committee, 3,545 people died from COVID-19 last year, while the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported 2,828 deaths.

“We need to find out whether there was any malice involved. At this moment, the impression is that there is no malice, but it’s only right for the prosecutor's office to conduct an investigation so we have a clear answer on the matter. If there was any malice, everything should be clarified,” Pashinyan stated.

Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan also noted that investigations are ongoing in accordance with the Prime Minister's directive and that the public will be informed once a comprehensive picture is established. She mentioned that over time, certain data were simply not included in the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control's “Armed” system.