Armenian parliament passes drugs bill
The Armenian National Assembly passed on Thursday in the first reading the draft law on making supplements to the law “On Medicines”.
The bill drafted by MPs Hakob Hakobyan, Aghvan Vardanyan, Arsen Mikhaylov, Marina Margaryan, Margarit Yesayan and Jemma Baghdasaryan would allow some hospitals to import the necessary medicines directly, without applying to wholesale drug distributors.
According to the deputies, the move will lead to a significant reduction in drug prices and costs of medical services.
Tsarukyan Alliance MP Mikayel Melkumyan voiced his bloc’s intention to vote in favor of the bill.
Yelk opposition faction MP Artak Zeynalyan also voiced support to the measure, expressing confidence it will essentially cut down the drug prices in the country.
The bill passed the first reading with 92 votes in favor.