Armenian health minister touts pay raises under insurance system

Armenia’s universal health insurance program has already led to sharp increases in doctors’ salaries, with some specialists in polyclinics earning more than 1 million drams a month, Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Avanesyan called the rollout a success and said the reform strengthens Armenia’s standing in global health. “As you can see, nothing has exploded,” she remarked, underscoring that the system’s first months have gone smoothly.

She acknowledged that the early transition was difficult as medical staff adapted to documenting services for insured patients. But she said pay in primary care has risen by 30 to 40 percent on average.

The minister stressed that Armenia has shifted to a performance-based pay model. “If a specialist does not see patients or works only a few hours, their salary will reflect that,” she said. By contrast, doctors with heavier caseloads, including neurologists and ophthalmologists, have seen their earnings multiply.

Avanesyan noted that while most clinics have benefited, some are still paying off old debts before distributing additional compensation. She also pointed to retraining programs for tuberculosis specialists to keep them engaged despite low patient numbers.

“This is only the first year of insurance, and the work will continue,” Avanesyan said.