The medical staff of the Prison Medicine Centre has refreshed their knowledge on medical confidentiality and inter-agency cooperation in penitentiary healthcare, equipping prison doctors with practical tools and updated knowledge aligned with international standards.

The training was based on a comprehensive report and practical guide were developed to support and empower prison medical staff.

The participants deepened their understanding of personal data protection, informed consent, and the legal responsibilities arising from breaches of confidentiality. Sessions also explored case law of the European Court of Human Rights, providing concrete examples of how violations of medical confidentiality let to violation of human rights.

Through interactive role plays and group exercises, the participants strengthened their ability to handle sensitive information, communicate effectively with patients, and navigate complex situations involving the sharing of medical data between institutions.

Together they designed step-by-step approaches to ensure compliance with legal standards while maintaining effective cooperation between healthcare providers and other state bodies.

One of outcomes of this activity was participants’ strong to work together and apply the newly acquired knowledge in their professional practice, contributing to improved healthcare services and enhanced protection of the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

The activity took place on 27-28 March in Yerevan and it is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Further strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” that assists the national authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform, prison health care and the protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Project is financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.