Ombudsman: Some medical institutions refuse to give free drugs

The Office of Armenian Ombudsman issued a statement in connection with several medical institutions’ refusal to give free medications for children.

“Very often, parents are not informed about the opportunity to get free medications for their children. Medical institutions sometimes refuse to give drugs, justifying their actions by a shortage. Yet the medical institutions shall provide drugs, which were included in the Armenian health minister-approved list, free of charge and in necessary quantities.

As early as 2006 the government took a decision, by which children under the age of 7 can receive free medications, while children with disabilities retain this right until they reach legal age.

Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan calls upon medical institutions to ensure the exercise of children’s right to get free medicine. He calls upon parents to avail themselves of that right in case of need.

If a medical institution refuses to give the necessary drug or gives it in insufficient amounts, you can call the hotline 116,” the statement says.