Armenia’s Minister of Labor and Welfare Arsen Torosyan announced on Monday that the 2027 state budget draft envisages a new care program for seniors.

Speaking at a joint session of the parliamentary Committees on Labor and Welfare Affairs and Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs during discussions on the 2027 state budget bill, Torosyan said the program will operate on a model similar to that of foster care for children.

According to Torosyan, 6 billion drams is planned for the program supporting seniors and persons with disabilities, an increase of 346 million drams compared to the approved 2026 budget.

“This includes various measures, such as day care, round-the-clock care, and measures to improve the physical conditions of care facilities operating under our supervision. It also includes a new measure that has not existed before: a foster care program for seniors, following approximately the same model as the foster care program for children,” Torosyan said.

The minister also addressed childcare, emphasizing the importance of expanding opportunities for children to live in a family environment.

Funding for the program addressing children’s issues is planned to reach approximately 9.3 billion drams, representing an increase of around 59%. The program includes care for children in foster families, day center services, and other measures, he said.

Torosyan noted that when there is a need for services at round-the-clock care institutions, the state must meet that need while giving priority to children living in family settings.