In October 2025, the Armenian government decided to close the “Prisoners’ Hospital” correctional facility, previously operating under the Ministry of Justice. This medical function is now carried out by a newly established medical subdivision within the Armavir Correctional Facility, Deputy Justice Minister Gevorg Kocharyan announced in Parliament, noting that the legal framework must be adjusted accordingly.

“In light of the closure of the ‘Prisoners’ Hospital’ facility, we propose making amendments to the Penitentiary Code. The draft law stipulates that inmates requiring medical care in hospital conditions will be transferred to the correctional institution that houses a licensed medical subdivision,” he explained, as reported by 1lurer.am .

He emphasized that having the medical unit located within the correctional facility itself is more practical and ensures more efficient and timely care, reducing logistical challenges.

“The rationale is that medical care should be provided as close as possible to the correctional facility, and ideally within its premises. This minimizes the need for complex transfers,” he added.

Kocharyan also mentioned that, in the future, other penitentiaries may be equipped to provide long-term medical treatment, but currently only the Armavir Correctional Facility has the necessary conditions.

According to him, Armavir now hosts modern medical equipment and facilities comparable to those of civilian hospitals. Several inmates have already been transferred from the former Prisoners’ Hospital to the new Armavir unit.