ArmInfo. The Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia provided more detailed information to citizens in connection with the introduction of free medical care for children under 18.
''One of the changes made to the government's decision 'About free and preferential medical care and services for children under 18 years old' concerns the organization of hospital medical care for citizens under 18 years old, "the report reads.
As the Ministry explains, this step expanded hospital medical care for children under 18 years old (regardless of social status).
''As for the outpatient medical aid, special and difficult-to-reach diagnostic tests included in the list approved by order of the Minister of Health of Armenia No. 53-N dated September 20, 2013, are carried out as part of the state order in those medical organizations with which the state order agreement was concluded'', the document notes.
According to the Ministry of Healthcare, not only the age group of children receiving medical services under the state order has expanded, but also types of medical care, including some hospital medical services using the latest and most expensive technologies that were previously provided to the above groups for a fee.
In particular, endovascular treatment of vascular diseases of the brain, endovascular and open heart and aorta operations, arthroscopic interventions, metal structures used in trauma surgeries, crushing of kidney stones (lithotripsy), etc. are noted.
It should be noted that these changes do not concern the services of dental medical care and laboratory and instrumental studies and consultations in specialized medical centers (hospitals) in order to clarify the diagnosis. The abovementioned services continue to be valid for children under the age of 7, as well as for children aged 7-18 years included in special groups.
Planned hospital medical care for children under 18 years of age within the framework of a state order, special and difficult-to-access diagnostic studies carried out in the community form, and laboratory and instrumental examinations conducted in specialized medical centers (hospitals) to clarify the diagnosis are carried out on the basis of vouchers issued by medical organizations of primary care of children's health. For complaints, questions, clarifications and information about medical care and child care, citizens can contact the State Health Agency of the RA Ministry of Healthcare by calling (060) 80 80 02, (010) 65 47 11. The hotline of the RA Ministry of Healthcare is also available by calling (010) 52 88 72 or 8003.