At its Human Rights meeting on 9 to 11 June, the Committee of Ministers examined the Shirkhanyan v. Armenia group, which mainly concerns the lack of adequate medical care in detention and the lack of effective remedies in this respect. It also concerns the lack of adequate detention conditions for persons with health issues and a detainee’s participation in court trials despite his poor health condition .
The Committee noted with satisfaction the important measures taken to improve medical care in detention. These measures include the replacement of the dilapidated central prison hospital with a new medical facility, the establishment of a dedicated psychiatric care unit, the extension of telemedicine and establishment of cooperation with civilian hospitals, as well as the procurement of duly equipped vehicles. It also welcomed the increase in the budget of the penitentiary medical service, measures to address the issues with the certification of its personnel and improvement in the supply of medical equipment and medications.
While encouraging the authorities to pursue these reforms further and to provide information demonstrating the effectiveness of the measures taken, the Committee acknowledged the significant measures adopted and the progress achieved, and decided to transfer this group from its enhanced to the standard supervision procedure.
