Armenia’s ARMED Network Expands Digital Health Access

Armenia moved quickly to replace paper-based health care with digital tools as part of wider reforms. The country built a nationwide electronic network called ARMED to connect more parts of the health system and support a major shift in how services are managed.

After ARMED was introduced at the national level, reporting systems, electronic prescriptions, health registries, screening programs, and telemedicine became part of the broader digital setup. This made it easier to maintain continuity of care. Access also improved, especially for people living in rural areas.

The transition was not simple. Health information was spread across disconnected systems, infrastructure was limited, and many health workers needed more training in digital skills. Socioeconomic barriers and unequal conditions between cities and rural communities created further difficulties. These problems show why a digital system must be judged by who can actually use it, not only by whether the technology exists.

Armenia addressed the obstacles with centralized governance, changes to regulations, workforce training, and implementation methods suited to local needs. Its experience offers useful guidance for other low- and middle-income countries seeking fair and scalable e-health systems. Sustained leadership, stronger infrastructure, and inclusive planning can help close service gaps while supporting the move from paper records to connected digital care.