It Has to Be Said: Universal Healthcare

2026-01-25 - 21:06

Why are so many Armenians pushed into poverty by medical costs? Why do hospitals outside Yerevan struggle with staff shortages, outdated equipment, and informal payments? And with the government pushing to introduce universal health coverage by 2026, can Armenia’s institutions handle such a complex reform, or will the system collapse under its own weight? “It Has to Be Said” breaks down the political, economic and social forces shaping Armenia’s healthcare system, offering clear, contextual explanations of not just what is happening, but why it matters. In this episode: In this episode: • Why healthcare remains a privilege, not a right, for many Armenians • The financial burden on households and the link between health costs and poverty • Chronic underfunding and the consequences for clinics and hospitals • The government’s universal health coverage prposal and its risks • What it will take to build a fair, equitable system that protects every citizen Read the full story Armenia’s Long Road to Health Equity Hranoush Dermoyan Jan 20, 2026 Armenia has launched universal health coverage, replacing out-of-pocket payments with a national insurance system. After years of delay, the reform expands access and reframes healthcare as a social right rather than a privilege. The challenge is effective implementation, writes Hranoush Dermoyan. Read more