Ministry says inmates receive necessary medical care

PanARMENIAN.Net - All prisoners receive necessary medical care, said Mariam Tsatryan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, responding to a statement by a prison monitoring group, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Earlier, the monitoring group reported findings from a visit to the Armavir penitentiary, claiming systemic problems that leave inmates effectively without proper treatment.

“According to established procedures, upon admission in outpatient conditions, a physical examination is conducted, mental health assessment tools are applied, initial medical check-ups and rapid tests are performed. Subsequently, based on обращения, within dispensary and ongoing monitoring frameworks, annual preventive visits are also carried out,” Tsatryan said.

According to her, inpatient treatment is organized in the stationary therapeutic department of the Armavir facility, under round-the-clock supervision of senior and mid-level medical staff. She also noted that the scope of medication provision has been expanded.

“It is unacceptable to describe this as a systemic failure without presenting evidence-based data. A photo of a leg may create an emotional effect for the audience, but it is not a serious professional basis. Incidentally, no inmate has approached prison doctors with such a complaint, and we have no such record. If there are complaints, they should contact the medical unit and will receive professional care,” Tsatryan stated.

Earlier, the monitoring group had also noted that in some cases, inmates may have illnesses potentially incompatible with serving a sentence, yet necessary medical examinations were not promptly conducted.

Previously, Sputnik Armenia reported on the case of Gegham Petrosyan, held in the Armavir prison, who went on hunger strike due to health issues. His sister said he suffers from several serious conditions, including cardiovascular problems, kidney failure, and acute drug allergies, stressing that he is not receiving adequate medical care. The family expressed concern that his condition could become irreversible.