A Hetq reader recently told us that officials of the Fanarjyan Oncology Institute told his retired father that he would have to pay 40,000 AMD for a lung exam despite the fact that the man has a medical pass.

The former military serviceman was told that only a medical consultation would be no charge.

Hetq spoke to the accountant at the institute, who confirmed that the permit does not cover laboratory and diagnostic services.

So, who is eligible for free medical treatment in Armenia and what should they do if this right is denied them.

Armenia’s Law on Medical Assistance and Service guarantees that each citizen has the right to receive priority free medical care. In other words, emergency services are free to all regardless of socio-economic status or age. In emergency situations, medical care is also free.

On March 4, 2004 the government adopted Decision N318-N clearly specifying those individuals with the right to receive free medical care.

Every year the government allocates funds for free medical care. For 2016, the government has allocated 29 million AMD (US$61,000) for out of hospital and ambulatory/polyclinic care and services. This amount is 2 million AMD less than 2015. 31.7 million AMD has been allocated for 2017.

The concept of free medical care doesn’t assume that any out-of-hospital or ambulatory service is necessarily free. The decision noted above includes a limited list of free services.

For instance, the list of free services for those individuals of pre-draft and draft age is clearly specified. They can receive free dental and psychological services, surgery, ENT and family doctor services, etc. They can also receive free blood exams. Minor invasive surgical procedures are also free.

Certain medications are also available free of charge. Decision N1717-N, adopted on November 23, 2006 lists those medical conditions for which medical facilities must provide free medications.

These include tuberculosis, psychological disorders, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, cardio-infarctions, malaria, chronic kidney disorders, HIV/AIDS, child respiratory ailments, etc.

According to Armenia’s Constitution, the government must guarantee the above-noted rights to free medical care and medication. If such rights are violated, the public is urged to call the Ministry of HealthCare’s hot line - +374 10 52-88-72.

Readers who believe that their right to free medical care/medications has been denied are also urged to telephone Hetq (+374 10 563363) or write to us at [email protected].