Armenian health minister declines to disclose doctors earning up to 12 million drams a month

Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan has declined to provide figures or names to substantiate her claim that some doctors under her supervision earn as much as 12 million drams ($30,000) a month, citing confidentiality and privacy laws.

Avanesyan said on Jan. 15 that certain doctors receive monthly pay equivalent to twice the bonuses awarded to government officials, sparking public and media scrutiny amid a broader debate over high payouts in the public sector.

In a written request, Panorama.am asked the Health Ministry to specify how many doctors earn 12 million drams per month and to provide their names and places of work. The ministry did not answer the questions, instead supplying a list of organisations under its authority and advising the outlet to approach them directly.

The ministry said the information requested could not be disclosed under Armenia’s Law on Freedom of Information, which allows refusals when data contains state, service, banking or commercial secrets, or infringes on personal and family privacy.

As a result, the minister’s statement cannot be independently verified. Panorama will submit more requests to medical service providers.

The issue has emerged as part of a heated public discussion since the start of the year over hefty bonuses paid to senior officials. Several ministers have told journalists they received bonuses of 6-7 million drams, while others have said details are available in their asset declarations.