The Armenian government, at its Cabinet meeting Thursday, decided to allocate 729 million drams to the Ministry of Health in order to provide medicines for diseases that were included in 2024.

Presenting the respective program, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan noted as follows: "We are increasing both the list of names and the number of beneficiaries of our population's drug coverage year after year. As a result of such a policy, the number of beneficiaries has increased because by ensuring the treatment process, we contribute to also improving the detection of diseases in our country, people are informed about their diseases at the right time, and take the appropriate medication. This program leads to a reduction in both disability and, of course, mortality.

In 2024, we included the provision of medicines—on the account of state funds—for multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, mental health, primary immunodeficiency, and other serious diseases. Before this program, people [in Armenia] had to obtain these expensive medicines very intermittently, and it was a big monthly burden for them.”

According to Avanesyan, one of the important points of this decision is also the program for changing measuring devices for children with diabetes, which is highly anticipated.

“This enables to provide our children [with diabetes] with the latest technological solutions so that we can conclude the process of daily finger pricking of children.  With this decision, we ensure the provision of medicines and these devices for children under 10 years of age. With the next decisions, we will also bring redistribution decisions for those under 18 years of age. We have already implemented the [respective] tender, we have a winning organization, and as a result of the decision to allocate financial resources, we will put the first phase into effect in the near future and provide children with these devices.

In parallel with this program, we also have increased the provision of other necessary medications for them, which is glucose, which also ensures the improvement of their quality of life. Today, diabetes in the world, if properly managed, addressed, reduces the risk of disability, and children have a normal lifestyle,” said the minister of health of Armenia.