In December 2025, A.A.* (name changed) applied to Dignity Humanitarian NGO and reported that, on December 3, 2025, they visited the Acharyan branch of the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) to receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. During the visit, the beneficiary experienced discriminatory and disrespectful treatment by a physician.

Recorded Violations

According to the beneficiary:

• The physician responded to questions regarding waiting times in a rude and unprofessional manner.
• Expressions with discriminatory undertones related to the beneficiary’s sexual orientation were used.
• Mocking and humiliating behavior was exhibited.
• Offensive remarks were made loudly in the corridor.
• Information constituting medical confidentiality was disclosed.
• Internal coding/identifiers were discussed verbally in the presence of third parties.
• The beneficiary was able to access the service only after administrative intervention.

Legal Procedure

“Dignity” provided the beneficiary with legal consultation. A.A. filed complaints with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and the Ethics Committee on Professional Ethics Violations by Healthcare Workers (hereinafter, the Committee).

On January 21, 2026, the Committee initiated proceedings.

Two hearings were organized, attended by the beneficiary, the healthcare worker and other responsible parties.

Committee Decision

On February 17, 2026, the Committee confirmed the breach of professional ethics with respect to the duty to respect human dignity.

At the same time, systemic issues at NCID were identified, including:

• The use of discriminatory and labeling language toward vulnerable groups;
• Inadequate mechanisms for maintaining medical confidentiality;
• Risks of unintentional disclosure of information in the provision of HIV-related services;
• Lack of additional guarantees for confidentiality in the organization of services.

The Committee recommended:

• Applying a disciplinary warning to the healthcare worker in accordance with labor legislation;
• Conducting professional ethics retraining;
• Implementing systemic reforms at NCID aimed at ensuring medical confidentiality, preventing emotional burnout and improving service organization.

The final part of the decision is subject to publication in the healthcare professionals’ registry in accordance with the law.

Position of “Dignity” NGO

We emphasize the importance of recognizing not only the individual violation but also the systemic issues.

HIV prevention and treatment services must be safe, non-discriminatory and fully confidential, accessible to all citizens. Discriminatory behavior in the healthcare system not only violates human rights but also reduces the effectiveness of preventive services.

“Dignity” will continue to protect beneficiaries’ rights through legal and public tools and consistently advocate for necessary systemic reforms.