Healthcare in Armenia is undergoing significant changes, with a strong focus on improving accessibility, enhancing primary care, and embracing digital transformation. At Vickino, we’re dedicated to contributing to this transformation through our expertise in digital health and healthcare innovation.
Healthcare Reform in Armenia
Armenia’s healthcare system is evolving with several key initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to care. Here are some of the major areas of focus:
Universal Health Coverage
Armenia is striving to provide universal health coverage (UHC) to ensure that all individuals have access to essential health services without facing financial hardship. Achieving UHC is a critical goal for the nation, as it will enable citizens to receive high-quality care while reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The focus on UHC aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved regions of the country. The World Bank is supporting this initiative with financial and technical support. The launch of the reform has been postponed several times and will probably not be starting before 2026.
Primary Care Reform
Primary care serves as the backbone of any healthcare system, and Armenia is making efforts to strengthen this foundation. The reform initiatives are focused on enhancing the quality of primary care services, training healthcare providers, and integrating preventive measures into primary care practices. By doing so, Armenia aims to reduce the burden on hospitals and improve patient outcomes by addressing health issues at the earliest stages.
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation in healthcare is a major priority for Armenia, and Vickino is at the forefront of these efforts. By adopting digital tools and technologies, Armenia seeks to modernize its healthcare infrastructure, making it more efficient, accessible, and data-driven. The digital transformation efforts are geared toward improving patient care, enhancing communication among healthcare providers, and utilizing data analytics to inform health policies.
Digital Health Situation in Armenia
While Armenia has made progress in certain areas, there is still much work to be done to establish a comprehensive digital health ecosystem. The current landscape highlights the challenges and opportunities in Armenia’s digital health journey:
No Published Digital Health Strategy
One of the biggest challenges in Armenia’s digital health development is the absence of a formal digital health strategy. A well-defined strategy is crucial for setting clear goals, identifying priorities, and outlining the steps needed to integrate digital health solutions into the national healthcare system.
Lack of Digital Health Governance
Armenia has not yet established digital health governance by law, which would include a Digital Health Council to oversee the implementation and regulation of digital health initiatives. Without a governing body, the digital health sector lacks the coordination and strategic direction needed for cohesive development.
Telemedicine Law Established but in Need of Updates
Since 2022, Armenia has a telemedicine law in place (read our publication about it here), which is a significant step towards modernizing healthcare delivery. However, the law requires updates to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology and to address gaps in current regulations.
National E-health Operator’s Role
The national e-health operator in Armenia, Armed, operates under a contract with the Ministry of Health for managing state-covered healthcare costs. The operator is using a foreign-made software with limited capacities of further developments. This setup raises questions about sustainability and the adaptability of these solutions to Armenia’s specific healthcare needs.
Armenian Association of Digital Health
Founded in 2008, the Armenian Association of Digital Health (AADH) has been a significant player in advocating for digital health in the country. Its role is to promote the development of digital health solutions and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in the healthcare sector through education, research, advocacy and innovation.
Master of Digital Health Program
In 2022, the first-ever Master of Digital Health (MDH) program was launched at the Russian-Armenian University (RAU), aiming to train the next generation of digital health experts in Armenia. This program is a promising step towards building a skilled workforce capable of leading Armenia’s digital health transformation.
Digital Health Startups in Armenia
Armenia’s digital health ecosystem is growing, with around 20 startups focusing on Electronic Medical Records (EMR), patient engagement, telehealth, and AI-driven solutions. These startups represent a crucial force for innovation, although they face challenges in terms of funding, market reach, and regulatory support.
Challenges: Low Literacy, Adoption, and Infrastructure
Despite these developments, digital health literacy and adoption remain low in Armenia. There is a significant need to educate healthcare professionals and the public on the benefits of digital health. Additionally, the lack of robust infrastructure poses a challenge to the widespread implementation of digital health solutions.
What We Do at Vickino
At Vickino, we’re committed to driving digital health innovation and supporting Armenia’s healthcare transformation. Our efforts focus on the following areas:
Regulatory and Advocacy
We actively engage in regulatory discussions to shape policies that support digital health adoption in Armenia. Our advocacy efforts aim to create a favorable environment for digital health initiatives to thrive.
National Digital Health Projects
Vickino is involved in several national digital health projects that aim to transform Armenia’s healthcare landscape. Our work includes developing innovative solutions that improve patient care and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Research
Research is at the core of our approach to understanding the digital health landscape in Armenia. We conduct studies to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities, which inform our strategies and initiatives in the digital health space.
Training
We provide training programs for healthcare professionals to improve their digital health literacy and equip them with the skills needed to adopt new technologies effectively.
Support to Startups
We offer mentorship and support to digital health startups in Armenia, helping them navigate the challenges of market entry, funding, and scaling their innovations.
Support to Hospitals’ Transformation
Vickino assists hospitals in their digital transformation journey by implementing state-of-the-art technologies and best practices to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Armenia is on the path to transforming its healthcare system, with digital health playing a crucial role in that journey. While there are challenges, Vickino is committed to leading the way in advocacy, innovation, and implementation of digital health solutions to ensure that Armenia’s healthcare system meets the needs of its people.
Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and the progress of digital health in Armenia.
