New Change in the Process of Providing State-Funded Hospital Services

Starting from 2024, there will be no preliminary allocations for state-funded hospital services in Armenian healthcare institutions. A general budget will be established, and it will be spent according to the choices of referred citizens.

Today, the government approved a draft amendment to the law on "Medical Assistance and Services Guaranteed by the State Free of Charge and on Preferential Conditions." The Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, presented the legislative initiative, highlighting that under the current law, each medical center has maximum limits set annually by a ministerial decree.

The amendment proposes to eliminate these maximum limits, compensating medical centers based on the actual services provided. "It is proposed to experimental compensation for 17 additional healthcare measures from the state budget's healthcare segment for a period of six months, implemented under a contract amount based on the non-restricted budget offer principle (standard contract)," said Avanesyan.

The Minister also noted that exceptions will only apply to psychiatric, narcological, tuberculosis treatment, and healthcare measures for those held in penitentiary institutions, which will be compensated under maintenance costs.

The law amendment will also regulate patient registration and referral processes. Avanesyan announced that the paper referral option will be eliminated, fully transitioning to an electronic referral system.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the program will be monitored, and if issues arise, they will respond accordingly.