IN 2005 OUT-PATIENTS OVER 65 TO ENJOY FREE HEALTH CARE

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17. ARMINFO. In 2005 out-patients over 65 will enjoys free medical treatment irrespective of their social status. In 2-3 years this type of medical care will be free for all the population, Armenia’s Health Care Minister Norayr Davidyan said in the parliament today.

The draft budget 2005 plans 32.9 bln AMD ($66 mln) is to be allocated in 2005 against 24.5 bln in 2004 – a 31.9% increase. The money will be spent on wages, state services and modernization. 14 bln AMD (+8.3%) is to be allocated for in-patients – the government pays 8,700 AMD for one day treatment in hospital. The wages of doctors will be raised to 37,500 AMD a month against 33,500 AMD in 2004 and of nuns to 29,300 AMD against 24,500 AMD. 13 programs to treat TB, infectious, sexually transmitted and gynecological diseases will be carried out in 2005. 918.7 mln AMD will be spent on examination and treatment of draftees.

First aid will receive 12.5 bln AMD which is 42.9% more than in 2004. 7 projects are planned in the sphere to treat children and to provide obstetrical and gynecological services. The polyclinic doctors will get 46,800 AMD a month and nuns 29,900 AMD. 1.6 bln AMD will be allocated for centralized purchase of medicines. Free medicines are planned for immunization, cancer, TB, mental and epilepsy patients.

1.4 bln AMD will be allocated for hygienic and anti-epidemic measures which is 4.4% more than in 2004. The increase is due to a raise in the wages of sanitarians to 37,500 AMD a month. Nuns will receive 29,300 AMD. 62.7 mln AMD will be allocated for fighting poliomyelitis, measles, TB, hepatitis and other infectious diseases.

4.4 bln AMD will be allocated for other health care measures – 137% growth as against 2004 – mostly on diagnostics and epidemic prevention, purchase of medical equipment and tools. A number of credit programs are planned for the year. WB will lend money to retrain nuns and family doctors, to repair training centers and to equip hospitals. The UK and Canada will provide Armenia with ambulance cars as humanitarian aid.