Samvel Kharazyan, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Health Insurance Foundation, presented the implementation process of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system and its key features in an interview with Radar Armenia.
According to Kharazyan, the first phase of the system’s implementation has been marked by a significant increase in healthcare utilization, resulting in a substantial volume of medical services being delivered. While in some cases the increased workload has led to longer waiting times and queues, the system has successfully managed the initial surge in demand. Previously, particularly at the primary healthcare level, the average number of patient visits per doctor was around 3–3.3, which was considerably below the European average. Today, due to increased utilization, the system is gradually approaching those optimal levels. According to Kharazyan, this indicates that existing capacities are being used more efficiently.
Addressing the quality of care, Kharazyan noted that the Foundation conducts continuous monitoring, tracking both post-operative complications and the overall performance of healthcare providers and pharmacies. In addition, tools have been developed within contractual frameworks to carry out assessments, identify high-risk institutions, and provide on-site consultations aimed at improving both service delivery and patient experience.
Kharazyan emphasized that the UHI system is not only a new financing mechanism but also a tool for enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. It introduces new approaches to service pricing, digital and electronic solutions, and allows patients to freely choose their healthcare provider, fostering competition and ultimately improving the quality of care. He also noted that the Foundation will soon transition to quality-based financing, including the evaluation of medical institutions and the provision of additional bonus payments for high-quality services.
He further stated that the insurance package is structured around three main pillars: preventive and screening services, access to high-cost medical interventions, and the treatment and continuous management of the most prevalent diseases in Armenia. The package fully or substantially covers a range of complex and expensive procedures, including cardiac stenting, endovascular brain surgeries, hip joint replacement, and other interventions. The primary goal is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for citizens and ensure access to essential healthcare services.
According to Kharazyan, the financial sustainability of the system is ensured through a combination of diverse funding sources, including state contributions and insurance premiums, as well as the establishment of a reserve fund. In the coming years, the system will expand to include new groups of beneficiaries, further strengthening its financial stability.
In Kharazyan’s assessment, the initial results of the system’s implementation indicate that it is steadily moving toward its core objective: improving access to healthcare services, enhancing their quality, and contributing to better population health outcomes.