If We Want to Reduce Infant Mortality Rates, There Is Little to Negotiate, Says Minister

All maternal care facilities in Armenia have had their so-called passports since 2018, which we obtained based on analyses. This was stated today by the Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan during a press conference, addressing the liquidation of several maternity hospitals.

“This is a transparent, long-ongoing process that will continue. Changes in regulations can always occur; this is a permanent process. Almost all services need to be this way; they need to meet certain criteria and operate according to their status. Based on the level, we will also have standards for institutions providing pediatric services. Maralik, Achajur, Artemi, Kajaran, Arzvaberd, Nairi Medical Center (Yeghvard) have health centers that are rural outpatient clinics, simply renamed as health centers,” said the minister.

Torosyan also addressed the frequently discussed question of why there are 150 births per year. “That is a very low number; we initially discussed 300, but having looked at the statistics, we lowered the threshold to 150, to at least have a birth every two days. Our aim is to achieve many births in the same medical facility. We want to seriously address maternal and child mortality; if we wish to do that, our policy on this issue is very correct. If this principle is acceptable, then there is not much to negotiate; if it is not acceptable, then we have a serious problem. When they say there have been no death cases in their facilities, the reason is that risky cases are transferred to higher-level maternity hospitals. Why wait for risky, emergency situations when it can be done in a planned way?” emphasized the minister.