State Procurement Mechanism Based on Offer Principle is Problematic

The state procurement mechanism based on the offer principle is problematic. This was stated today during the Q&A session with the government in the National Assembly by Arman Ghazaryan, a member of the 'Armenia' faction, who noted that many citizens representing vulnerable groups have approached him, stating that they are unable to undergo MRT and CT examinations within the framework of state procurement because the radiologists' association has set a list, and their illnesses are not on that list.

He inquired of Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan why such a narrow restriction was imposed, effectively preventing people from accessing state-funded examinations. In response, Avanesyan said, 'As you also mentioned, changes were made in collaboration with the radiologists' association, and it is the specialists who determine in which cases these difficult-to-access examinations are indicated and in which cases they are not.'

Arman Ghazaryan observed, 'The issue pertains to MRT and CT examinations. You are loudly stating that for individuals with specific groups, including vulnerable populations, all examinations, including MRT and CT, are free. However, I have met numerous citizens who approach their healthcare institutions to obtain free referrals for examinations, only to be told that their diagnosis is not included in the list provided by radiologists. This means that on one hand, you are saying all of your examinations are free, but on the other hand, you have imposed such narrow restrictions that people cannot receive free referrals for their diagnoses.'

The minister responded, 'I am not a doctor like you, and I do not decide what the indications are for undergoing MRT or CT examinations. There are specialists and professional associations that set guidelines on what the indications are and what are not. Neither the patient, nor the MP, nor the minister can dictate that there are things we want to undergo for free; it would be better if we could. We are guided by medical approaches. If necessary, the offer operates, and it is free.'