Optimalization: 30 polyclinics to close in provinces

To move forward the 2007-2012 optimalization program of the health system in the provinces, the number of hospitals will be reduced by five, and the number of polyclinics by 30, leaving just eight specialized dispatch centers and 13 health center stations in an area covering around 80,000 kilometers. This was informed by the ministry of regional affairs.

According to the optimalization program, the work of the hospitals and polyclinics that both carry out will be unified. In accordance with the program, the work of village doctors will be separated from that of polyclinics, and offices for family doctors will be created, ensuring the improvement of local health care.

For now the program is in the preliminary stages. We note that at a recent meeting with provincial governors, vice-prime minister Hovik Aprahamyan ordered the work completed by September 25 and to begin construction work by October 1. We remind that the decision to enact the health optimalization program was made by the government just last year.