On 15 May, the Public Council hosted Health Minister Arsen Torosyan.
During the two-hour meeting, they touched upon almost all important issues and programs of the sector.
Touching upon the main directions of the Ministry’s activities, Arsen Torosyan noted that their priorities are based on three main directions: development of preventive medicine, oncology, and ensuring universal health care coverage.
The minister explained the issues which Levon Grigoryan, Chairman of the Public Council’s Health Care Commission had submitted to him in advance, which before submitting to the Minister had been discussed in the Commission, and were related to introduction of a single medical care system for the quality of medical services, introduction of compulsory health insurance system in Armenia, possible negative impact on business and economy as a result of applying sharp anti-tobacco measures, provision of necessary staffs and equipment to medical institutions in marzes, etc.
Referring to the program of transition to universal insurance, the minister expressed hope that it will become reality in 2021.
Hot discussion took place especially on anti-smoking policies and measures taken in that direction. Arsen Torosyan stated that the events proposed by them were based on concrete facts and indicators. He was convinced that they were not only important in terms of health, but also economically.
“We are making steps today, the results of which in many cases will be visible 10-15 years later, but these steps should be taken today,” the Minister emphasized, adding that one of the most important issues is the formation of a healthy lifestyle culture among the society.
Referring to vaccination issues, Arsen Torosyan said that immunization is collective protection, and Armenia’s experience in this regard is successful.
“We have serious coverage and I do not want our successful program to be endangered. We must take measures against anti-vaccination campaigns,” he said and mentioned as an example the measles epidemic in neighbouring Georgia, which did not affect Armenia due to vaccine and Armenian specialists supported the Georgian partners.
The Minister attached importance to the issues raised by the council in connection with environmental pollution (heavy metals, toxic emissions, noise, etc.).
In response to the question whether the Ministry’s strategies and policies were harmonized with the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the Minister responded positively by mentioning that currently works with international structures are being conducted to clarify the methodology through which studies will be conducted on environmental pollution in Armenia. According to preliminary data, today the World Health Organization states that more polluted people die as a result of air pollution than from tobacco.
Members of the Public Council also touched upon issues related to personnel policy of the healthcare system, food and drug control, medical services provided under the state order, licensing of doctors, awareness of healthcare programs and so on.
Some members of the Public Council also made concrete proposals concerning the establishment of a short-term risk assessment and management centre, establishment of online medical consultancy service, provision of medical services to the victims of the Sumgait pogroms, and so on. The Minister expressed readiness to discuss proposals separately.
Vazgen Manukyan noted that the Public Council will hold separate discussions on some issues raised during the meeting with experts in the field and will present its position and proposals to the Ministry.
Expressing gratitude to Arsen Torosyan, he expressed hope that the cooperation of the Public Council with the Ministry would be productive.
In his turn the Minister highly appreciated the meeting, stressing that it was professional and constructive in terms of issues raised.
