Introduction: Prevailing sociopolitical and economic obstacles have been implicated in the inadequate utilization
and delivery of the Armenian health care system.
Methods: A random survey of 1,000 local residents, from all administrative regions of Armenia, concerned with
health care services cost and satisfaction was conducted. Participation in the survey was voluntary and the
information was collected using anonymous telephone interviews.
Results: The utilization of health care services was low, particularly in rural areas. This under-utilization of services
correlated with low income of the population surveyed. The state funded health care services are inadequate to
ensure availability of free-of-charge services even to economically disadvantaged groups. Continued reliance on
direct out-of pocket and illicit payments, for medical services, are serious issues which plague healthcare,
pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors of Armenia.
Conclusions: Restructuring of the health care system to implement a cost-effective approach to the prevention
and treatment of diseases, especially disproportionately affect the poor, should be undertaken. Public payments,
increasing the amount of subsidies for poor and lower income groups through a compulsory health insurance
system should be evaluated and included as appropriate in this health system redesign. Current medical services
reimbursement practices undermine the principle of equity in financing and access. Measures designed to improve
healthcare access and affordability for poor and disadvantaged households should be enacted.