Armenia Primary Healthcare Assessment Report

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the primary healthcare (PHC) sector in Armenia. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the urgent need for investment in primary healthcare to effectively address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Armenia, which significantly impacts both health outcomes and economic growth [32][33][34]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report outlines the critical role of primary healthcare in addressing NCDs and highlights the need for effective resource allocation to improve health outcomes and economic resilience [30][34]. Background - Armenia has seen improvements in public health indicators, such as life expectancy, but continues to face significant challenges from NCDs, which account for substantial economic losses estimated at nearly US$9 billion annually [32][33]. Key Findings - Despite geographical access to PHC facilities, utilization remains low due to concerns about service availability, quality, and costs. Only 32% of people visited their PHC facility in the past year [57][58]. - Diagnostic accuracy in PHC is around 80%, with significant variations based on provider type and location, indicating a need for improved adherence to clinical standards [60][62]. - Patient satisfaction with PHC providers is high, with over 90% expressing satisfaction with the care received [66]. Current Capacity of Armenia's PHC System - The workforce composition is skewed, with 61% being nurses and a notable shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas, where the density of physicians is significantly lower than in urban settings [66][67]. - Infrastructure and equipment availability is inadequate, especially in rural facilities, impacting the quality of care delivered [68][69]. - The report identifies gaps in communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, hindering effective service delivery and integration [80][81]. Policy Recommendations - The report suggests that the Ministry of Health should focus on enhancing financing, governance, and processes within the PHC system to improve service delivery and health outcomes [40][44][87].