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The National Assembly of Armenia held a special sitting on Monday, with the items on the agenda set to be placed on the second reading within 24 hours after their adoption in the first reading.

Addressing lawmakers, Deputy Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan said there are two bills on the agenda of the sitting convened at the proposal of the government.

The first draft law proposes making changes in the law “On Medicines”, she said.

"As you know, the state of emergency declared in the Republic of Armenia has restricted the right of people to free movement, which has a significant impact on the process of licensing the wholesale trade of medicines. Wholesalers do not have an opportunity to apply to a licensing agency for being granted a license. While on April 15, the mandatory licensing requirement will come into force, after which the economic entities will face a problem, "Avanesyan said.

The second bill proposes to amend the laws on "Medical Care and Service of Population" and "On Licensing".

"The need to adopt this draft law is conditioned by the fact that due to the increase in the spread of coronavirus in Armenia, there is a necessity to use the capacity of medical centers that provide medical care and services not required by their licenses. Also, there is a need for other healthcare workers, including graduating residents, to be involved in the fight against coronavirus. The measure seeks to establish an additional hospital bed fund and involve more specialists to serve coronavirus patients,” she said.