On the initiative of the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, and with the support of the CARD Foundation, a three-day workshop was held in Tsaghkadzor on June 19-21 of this year, dedicated to the process of reforming and digitizing the veterinary system of the Republic of Armenia.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the project "Enhanced Animal Identification and Registration System in Armenia for Sustainable Agriculture", which is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by the CARD Foundation.
The main goal of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive program aimed at improving the veterinary system, which will serve as the basis for implementing long-term reforms in the sector and will later be submitted to the RA Government for approval.
The event brought together representatives of state government bodies, scientific and educational institutions, professional associations, international partners, and the private sector to jointly assess the current state of the sector, identify existing challenges, and develop practical solutions to overcome them.
The workshop was attended by Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia Mrs. Tatevik Sargsyan; Head of Programs of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Mr. Vahe Sargsyan; Head of the Animal Identification and Registration and Veterinary Department of the " Center for Agricultural Services " SNCO of the RA Ministry of Economy Mr. Hovhannes Mkrtchyan; Director of the "Scientific Center for Risks Assessment and Analysis in Food Safety area ME of RA" SCRA of the RA Ministry of Economy Mr. Tigran Markosyan; Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry of the Armenian National Agrarian University Mrs. Arevik Abovyan; Chief Specialist of the Division for Development of VET Policy and Strategy under the Department of Education and Training of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia Mrs. Lusine Kirakosyan; Chief Inspector of the Veterinary Department of the Food Safety Inspection Body Mr. Hovik Batikyan; Responsible for the Management System of the "Republican Veterinary-Sanitary and Phytosanitary Laboratory Services Center" SNCO of the Food Safety Inspection Body Mr. Vahan Hovhannisyan; President of the Genetic Armenia Association Mr. Davit Navasardyan; President of the National Association of Veterinarians of Armenia Mr. Arman Ohanyan; Director of the CARD Foundation Mrs. Sona Telunts; representatives of the Strategic Development Agency and CARD Foundation’s other sectoral professional organizations.
During the three-day discussions, the participants addressed increasing the efficiency of veterinary services, developing human resources, strengthening laboratory and control systems, digitizing the veterinary sector, improving management systems, improving the legislative framework, expanding cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as continuing professional education and introducing a certification system for veterinarians.
During the discussions, it was particularly emphasized that a modern and efficient veterinary system is an important prerequisite for maintaining animal health, preventing and controlling animal diseases, ensuring food safety, as well as for the effective and sustainable operation of the animal identification and registration (AIR) system. Special attention was paid to the development of veterinary education. The participants emphasized the modernization of educational programs, increasing the practical training of future veterinarians, the introduction of a continuous professional training system, and the formation of unified professional standards. As a result of the discussions, an agreement was reached to develop a draft procedure for the certification of veterinarians in a short period of time.
During the workshop, discussions also focused on the development of laboratory capacities, the introduction of modern diagnostic methods, digitalized data management, as well as opportunities for applying international best practices.
As a result of the three-day collaborative work, the key priorities for reforming the veterinary system were identified, and a preliminary action roadmap was developed, which will serve as a basis for the design and implementation of a comprehensive reform program for the sector.
