Primary Healthcare Reform Project is a five-year (2005-2010) program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under contract awarded in September 2005 to Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno). The primary objective of the Project is the increased utilization of sustainable, high-quality primary healthcare services in Armenia.
The Project is implemented in Yerevan and marzes according to the roll-out plan.
All PHCR Project activities are grouped into six core components:
| Expansion of Reforms: assisting the Government in establishing a supportive regulatory environment for the advancement of reforms; renovating and equipping PHC facilities nationwide; designing and delivering training to facility management |
| Family Medicine: developing up-to-date curricula and training materials for continuous medical education; creating free-standing family medicine group practices; providing training to family physicians and nurses |
| Open Enrollment: introducing the open enrollment principle in the Armenian healthcare sector to promote customer-oriented services by fostering competition among providers |
| Quality of Care: improving the quality of care by introducing state-of-the-art quality standards and quality assurance procedures; introducing provider licensing and accreditation regulations |
| Healthcare Finance: increasing the transparency and efficiency of the distribution of healthcare funds through improved service costing and performance-based contracting practices; enhancing accountability at the facility level; determining the use of National Health Accounts |
| Public Education: enhancing awareness about PHC services offered; improving understanding of open enrollment and acceptance of family medicine providers; promoting healthy lifestyle and health-seeking behavior. |
As the result of the Project activities 100 health posts and approximately 130 ambulatories and polyclinics will be renovated and equipped for medical purposes; 150 family physicians and 670 nurses will receive quality medical training; about 80 new family medicine group practices will be established nationwide.
The Project relies on cooperation and support from the Ministry of Health, State Health Agency, medical education institutions and medical associations, PHC service providers, clinical preceptors, and family medicine practitioners.
Project Roll-Out Plan
The Project will work nationwide, gradually moving from one marz to another. Activities in Zone 1, which includes Lori and Shirak marzes, and Yerevan, were initiated at the start of the Project, with works in Yerevan to continue throughout the five years, into year 2010.