This year, we revised the cost directions for maternity care, and we did this clearly, keeping in mind that the indicators of cesarean sections (C-sections) in Armenia are not sufficient, and everything should be done to reduce these indicators. Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan stated this during the preliminary debates on the 2025 budget of the Ministry of Health of Armenia Friday in the National Assembly.

"We are also, for the first time, reimbursing epidurals for pain relief, which is one of the major barriers women avoid having a baby in natural way. But this too, we believe, will bring some behavioral change.

Of course, the changes will continue next year as well. We have indexed the small provincial maternity hospitals, which, considering their small size, we cannot generate enough funds to raise the salaries and properly cover the cost prices of services," Avanesyan added, in particular.

The maternity hospitals of Armenia’s capital Yerevan and most provinces were also assessed, which, according to Avanesyan, is a step forward, as the requirements are tightened and overseeing is increased.

Also, the health minister reminded that the artificial insemination service was introduced in Gyumri Medical Center, and in the near future it will be introduced in Goris city as well.

The objective of these changes, according to Avanesyan, is to promote births, as well as to improve all indicators regarding mother and child health in Armenia.