Armenia Invests in Healthcare to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases

Overcrowded Facilities, Long Wait Times, and Limited Options

Non-communicable diseases—such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses—represent a major scourge for public health across middle-income countries like Armenia.  

Yet many Armenians living with NCDs often endure overcrowded facilities, long wait times, and more limited access to treatment options than those in higher-income economies.

Some life-saving treatments simply have not been available in the country, forcing travel abroad for those who could afford it and leaving those who could not without options.

All of this compounds patients’ stress and can sap their dignity right when they need care and comfort the most. While the country’s healthcare system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, addressing chronic illnesses requires major investments in screening and prevention, as well as a mentality shift toward early detection.

Identifying such conditions early is crucial for increasing the chances of treatment and survival as well as maintaining a better quality of life for patients. Doing so will also help the country reduce its health care costs.

New Investment Helps Renovate and Modernize

Through the World Bank-financed Disease Prevention and Control Project (DPCP), Armenia has renovated and modernized six major medical facilities across the country to ensure better access to quality care for NCDs.

DPCP has helped make new treatment options available in the country, purchased essential medical equipment, and expanded staff training to identify and treat NCDs.

The Hematology Center in Yerevan is one of the six medical facilities that have benefited from DPCP support. Fully renovated and modernized in 2016, the center now offers better access to high-quality care and cancer treatment options. That includes bone marrow transplants, a first for the country.

Armenian patients suffering from illnesses like leukemia and lymphoma no longer have to travel abroad for this kind of specialized treatment.

“The first successful bone marrow transplant in 2017 wasn’t just a medical achievement; it symbolized a new chapter for us," recalls Dr. Nata Melkikyan, who has been working at the center since the 1970s. “And now we have an intensive care unit, which is crucial for our operations.”

The renovated facilities and new equipment at the center do more than provide state-of-the-art treatments—they offer dignity and hope.

"Your patients must feel that love and care," Dr. Melkikyan emphasizes. She believes that a patient’s well-being goes beyond medicine.

“The renovation and modernization of the medical center make a big difference,” shares Narine Khachatryan, a patient who overcame cancer thanks to treatments at the Hematology Center under the supervision of Dr. Melkikyan. “It’s not just about looking nice—it makes me feel more comfortable and confident in my treatment. I trust the equipment and the doctors more because everything feels up to date. I was lucky to have the right doctor who treated me with great care and professionalism.”

Training and Attracting Talent

Beyond improving infrastructure, DPCP has focused on other crucial aspects of healthcare: training and retaining skilled medical professionals.

Dr. Melkikyan proudly notes that the modernization has helped the center attract young talent, with new doctors engaging in research and development: “With government support and this funding, we’ve trained our staff in various specialties including laboratory work, clinical practice, transplantation, and stem cell research. We no longer face challenges in attracting young talent. Today, we have young doctors who are not only highly skilled but also deeply engaged in research.”

This influx has helped retain healthcare professionals in Armenia, reducing brain drain and strengthening the healthcare system.

"The opening of the newly renovated and re-equipped building greatly influenced my career choice,” recalls Dr. Vardanyan, who recently joined the center. “As a student, I’ve seen the old building, and the transformation coincided with my decision-making process, inspiring me to pursue this path. The creation of a modern facility led to the establishment of new departments, making it an attractive workplace for young professionals, something that the old building could not offer. Since the renovation, the number of young specialists has grown, and beyond its comfort and convenience, the new building has enhanced service quality and contributed to the overall development of our field of medicine."

The modernized facilities are expanding career opportunities and creating a more rewarding, motivating, and less stressful environment for staff. This, in turn, translates into more attentive, quality care.