Whoever Pays Should Go First, While State Services Can Wait: Tovmasyan on Soldier Medical Care Issues

My proposal to provide soldiers with expedited medical care was rejected with absurd justifications, claiming it would create unequal conditions among different segments of society. This was stated today, December 2, in a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly by member of the "I Have Honor" faction, Taguhi Tovmasyan, who added that yes, there should be a different treatment for soldiers.

"I see soldiers in uniform standing in line for hours, if not days, at hospitals. They serve for 14 days on the front line and then come down, during those 14 days they need to address their health issues before returning to the front line. They cannot resolve their problems in those 14 days because they have to queue for MRI scans and are told, 'You go, come back in 10 days to be registered, and your examination will be conducted in 40 days.' Or a soldier coming from Syunik stands in line but does not get his turn, and has to stay for the next day. I see that all citizens receiving services through state funding, especially soldiers, do not receive special treatment. They show special treatment towards paying citizens. In other words, whoever pays should go in without waiting, while state services can wait. The government says all citizens are equal, and I say, no, soldiers should be privileged," said the deputy.