YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The hospitals of Armenian provinces lack 380 medical professionals, Samvel Soghomonyan – a healthcare ministry official told ARMENPRESS.

The official says the ministry maintains a database of medical professionals of regional healthcare institutions, and according to latest data medical facilities of provinces need 380 doctors of various specialties.

According to Soghomonyan, provinces Lori, Shirak, Syunik have the most vacancies. The number is due to population indicator, the higher the population in the given area, the higher the need of doctors.

Mr. Soghomonyan says the ministry is undertaking serious works in various directions to fill the gaps. Particularly, the targeted residency program, where the ministry pays for the tuition fee and provides scholarships for 35 students each year. These students sign a contract, under which they work for 5 years in provinces. Over 100 doctors work in provinces under this program. Mr. Soghomonyan says they suggested the Government to increase allocations for this program. As result, they will be able to train around 100 doctors each year for provinces.

The ministry also includes provincial doctors in training programs. Recently 3 doctors from provinces departed to foreign clinics for trainings.