Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Armenia: Lessons from the Entrepreneurs in Health Project

Abstract Issue Remote/rural areas of Armenia face critical shortages of accessible, quality healthcare services due to insufficient medical infrastructure, lack of providers, and financial barriers. These gaps result in health disparities and unmet health needs across regions outside the cities. The Entrepreneurs in Health (EIH) project of the American University of Armenia addresses this challenge by empowering entrepreneurs in health to establish sustainable practices, an approach relevant to other low- and middle-income countries facing similar health disparities. Description Launched in 2017, EIH provides a comprehensive intervention: eligible healthcare professionals who apply to the project receive free training in entrepreneurship, healthcare quality, and other relevant topics. Successful participants become EIH project beneficiaries and get access to financial support through a low-interest loan. Beneficiaries also receive mentorship from local and diaspora experts. The aim is to build sustainable, high-quality private healthcare services in rural regions. Between 2017 and 2024, 816 professionals were trained in healthcare quality assurance and 94 in entrepreneurship and business management. The program supported the establishment of 22 active practices led by beneficiaries. The types of practices supported are family medical practices, laboratories, dental clinics, and pharmacies. Lessons Entrepreneurship can effectively strengthen rural health systems when combined with technical training, financial access, and mentorship. The EIH model highlights the importance of multi-pronged support in overcoming startup barriers. Lessons from Armenia suggest that similar approaches could be adapted to other settings with rural healthcare gaps. Innovation included the integration of clinical quality training with business education and mentoring structures. Key messages • Health entrepreneurship can sustainably expand rural healthcare access when combined with financing, training, and mentorship. • The EIH model offers a replicable strategy for improving rural health services in other low- and middle-income countries.