Today, the regular sCabinet meeting took pace, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The government has approved the bills "On Universal Health Insurance" and related bills. It is expected that in the medium term, the number of individuals not seeking medical care for financial reasons will decrease by approximately 30%, reaching a maximum of 6% of the insured population. Along with the decline in the proportion of individuals not seeking medical care for financial reasons, the share of private healthcare expenditure in total healthcare expenditure is expected to decrease by more than 20%, reaching a maximum of 65% in the medium term. To mitigate the impact on income when joining the universal health insurance system, the state has provided for subsidizing insurance premiums. The subsidy should be based on balancing the social risks of insured individuals. It is proposed to be guided by three main factors for balancing risks: age, income, and barriers. It is proposed to fully subsidize insurance premiums for individuals under 18 and for individuals aged 65 and over.

As noted by the Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan, the citizens for whom the state will pay the insurance premium are: those under 18 years old, 65+ years old, and those aged 18-65 with a disability status and social security. Nikol Pashinyan also emphasized the need to have proper control mechanisms in the system so that those who objectively need it receive services and the risks of abuse are reduced.

An exchange of views was held on the topic, during which issues related to the system were raised. Summing up, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure continuous discussions on the topic and provide proper coverage.

The government approved the bills of the Republic of Armenia on making amendments and additions to the Law "On Trade and Services" and related laws. As noted by the Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, the package of bills provides for: From January 1, 2027, the sale of plastic bags and sacks, as well as their presence in retail trade facilities, public catering establishments, mobile trading points, and fairs, with the exception of bags intended for packaging and garbage produced from secondary raw materials, will be prohibited. According to the minister, the ban will also apply to plastic bags and sacks with a thickness of more than 50 microns. Reusable bags made of paper and cloth are being considered as an alternative.

Touching upon the topic, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that public awareness campaigns should be conducted on this topic, work should be carried out with business entities on a daily basis, and support programs should be implemented. According to Nikol Pashinyan, all of this needs content, because we are all used to working and living with plastic. In this context, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of having a plan to implement this decision by January 1, 2027.

The government decision established the requirements for the preliminary treatment of industrial wastewater. In particular, from July 1, 2026, those emitting industrial wastewater will not be allowed to discharge wastewater that does not meet the above requirements into a centralized sewage system without preliminary treatment.