Head of Surgical Department Demanded Large Bribes from Citizens – NSS

The National Security Service of Armenia, rigorously carrying out its functions under the Law on Combating Corruption, has uncovered a case of apparent criminal activity involving corruption by the head of the surgical department of the 'Martuni Medical Center' LLC in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia.

Specifically, it has been revealed that the head of the surgical department, who is an employee of the mentioned commercial organization, used his authority against the interests of the organization. He ignored the rights of several individuals who sought medical assistance for health issues between 2017 and 2019, which allowed them to benefit from the state procurement program (to receive medical assistance free of charge or at a reduced cost) or to be classified as beneficiaries of social packages or to be exempt from payments established by law for medical services received or who had already made payments to the hospital's cashier for the services provided.

He personally demanded and received significant commercial bribes from several individuals as additional compensation for the services provided with a unified intent. Based on the apparent criminal activity, a criminal case has been initiated in the investigative department of the NSS of Armenia under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia. A preliminary investigation is underway.