ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

ARKA
July 16

Armenia’s Government expects to increase considerably financial
support for the country’s healthcare system, RA Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan reported.

"Having discussed the mid-term expenditure program 2009-2011,
the Armenian Government suggested increasing financial support for
the healthcare system to improve the quality of medical services,"
Sargsyan said at today’s government discussions.

The RA Government plans to set up eight regional healthcare centers
in Armenia.

Sargsyan said the healthcare system is in the Government’s focus. To
offer high-quality medical services to population, the Government
allotted 46.9bln drams for the system last year (18.8% increase
compared to 2006).

Healthcare expenditures are expected to increase by 24.2% to 54.6bln
drams.

The Armenian Government has set targets for the healthcare program.

The Premier believes the program will be highly profitable for Armenia,
as the Government plans to attract both local and foreign investors.

Sargsyan was quoted as saying: "The main questions are whether it was
a right decision to choose eight sectors. Are they advantageous? Do our
knowledge and experience allow us to enter the international arena?"

The Prime Minister said the country can attract more investments if
it presents its advantages in a favorable light.

As part of t he healthcare program, the RA Government plans to
establish a regional oncologic center, regional rehabilitation center,
auricle implantation center, a regional register of marrow transplant
donors, center for cardiovascular surgery, infertility treatment
center and a rehabilitation- balneotherapy center in Jermuk.