9.4% OUT OF 1,560 PRIMARY PATIENTS IN ARMENIA HAVE DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS
Noyan Tapan
Dec 10 2007
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. According to a study done in
Armenia, 9.4% of 1,560 primary patients and 43.3% of repeated patients
registered in Armenia in 2006 have drug-resistant tuberculosis. The
study was conducted by German KfW Bank and Copa-Epos organization. The
deputy head of the national program on the fight against tuberculosis
Tatev Kostanian told NT correspondent that it is envisaged to conduct
regular studies starting from 2008.
T. Kostanian said that from 2008, a program on free treatment of
tubercular patients will be implemented by using a strategy in line
with international standards. They will apply to the "Green Light –
Corridor" international organization with the aim of purchasing the
necessary medicines at much lower prices. Medicines for drug-resistant
tubercular patients are quite expensive: 10-12 thousand dollars is
spent on treatment of a patient.
According to T. Kostanian, repair work is being carried out now at
the Abovian republican antituberculosis center in order to found a
department for treatment of drug-resistant tubercular patients there.