Health care system and development in Armenia

Abstract

The research identified the strengths and weaknesses of the RA health care system. The findings from both the qualitative and quantitative data analysis show that although the health care system has considerably improved in the past years, it is far from fully meeting the needs of all segments of society. In most regions, access to clinics and hospitals is available and the state budget coverage is gradually increasing. The government should do more work, however, to increase citizen awareness of how the system functions and how to use it. The relatively poorer regional infrastructure of the regions combined with distance to access the nearest hospital stands as impediment to optimizing the system and increasing efficiency. Additionally, the uneven allocation of funds to hospitals and funds designated to cover per capita medical expenses are not enough to provide full coverage. Informal payments to and direct or indirect connections with health professionals are current features that appear to be continuing in the absence of performance based compensation and management of health professionals. Finally, the weaknesses in the current health care system obstruct Armenia’s path towards development. Due to the low fertility rate and large migration flow, the government at this time cannot implement radical reforms or change the health care system. The weaknesses can be eliminated through reforms and techniques used by more developed countries with specific healthcare models. The government, on the other hand, should focus more on encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and promote the culture of preventive and regular checkups.