VIDEO. There Must Be Political Accountability for All This: Aram Vardevanyan on the Constitutional Court's Decision Regarding PCR Tests

Aram Vardevanyan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'Hayastan' alliance, addressed the recent decision of the Constitutional Court regarding the costs of PCR tests being borne by citizens during a Facebook live broadcast.

Recall that the Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional the order by the Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, which required unvaccinated employees to periodically undergo mandatory PCR tests at their own expense.

"The phrase 'the employee performs the PCR test at his own expense' was recognized as inconsistent with Article 6, Parts 1 and 2, and Article 39 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia," announced the Court's president, Arman Dilanyan, during the publication of the ruling.

According to the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the definition of the entities responsible for payment of the testing falls "outside the authority of the Ministry of Health." The decision of the Constitutional Court is final and takes effect from the moment of publication.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health of Armenia issued a statement asserting that the Ministry's decision regarding the requirement for PCR testing has been deemed constitutional since it arises from public health interests. Only the stipulation in all annexes to the Minister's order stating 'performed by the employee at his expense' was recognized as unconstitutional.

However, considering that the state does not guarantee PCR testing under preferential and free conditions, employees must still undergo testing. Thus, the order from the Minister of Health of Armenia was deemed constitutional and all requirements remain in force aside from the aforementioned formulation which was recognized as unconstitutional.