Armenia is implementing a crucial stage of its healthcare reform: the introduction of a personal licensing system for medical workers. This was announced today, April 29, by the Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, during a press conference.

According to the Minister, more than 900 residents have already passed their qualification exams and are currently in the process of obtaining their licenses. Avanesyan emphasized that by January 1, 2027, all practicing medical specialists must complete the licensing procedure. "Preparatory work is currently underway to facilitate the examination process," she informed.

The Minister noted that in the initial phase, licensing will consist of both oral and practical components, following the model already utilized for resident examinations.

To manage the process, specialized examination commissions are being established. According to Avanesyan, a separate commission will be formed for each medical specialty. There will be no single centralized examination body; instead, specialists will be evaluated by peer experts in their respective fields.

She also clarified that the examination tests are not coordinated with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (MoESCS). Instead, they are developed and finalized under the law "On Medical Care and Services," as well as relevant government decisions and Ministry of Health regulations.

Avanesyan underlined that the implementation of the individual licensing system is aimed at improving the quality of medical services and standardizing the professional level of physicians across the country.