Monday, 23 November 2009
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan called a consultative meeting with an Armenian health sector financing system improvement-related agenda. In attendance were heads of major medical institutions from Yerevan and four regions of Armenia.
The meeting discussed alternative proposals concerning the application of a co-financing scheme in the settlement of medical services in the Republic of Armenia.
The speakers referred to those challenges encountered in reforming the system of State orders, fighting against corruption in this area, developing the system of medical insurance. The also touched upon the welfare problems faced up in this area and indicated the need for including health service-funding items in the municipal budgets.
The head of government has emphasized that the health care system reform should address the existing financial problems. The State should be able to pay a market price to medical institutions under the State order scheme as this would help reduce corruption risks and improve service quality. At the same time, we must ensure that medical aid under the State order goes to the most vulnerable layers of the population. The head of the government further noted that reform is deemed to be necessary by international experts and the representatives of consulting companies as well.
In conclusion, highlighting the need for improved financial management in the sphere of public health services, the Prime Minister told the Health Care Minister to summarize all the proposed recommendations.
