On 10 November 2008 the representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of the Republic of Armenia have met to launch a joint project aimed at construction of a new Narcological Department within the premises of the Penitentiary Hospital of the Ministry of Justice. The project will help to improve the health services for inmates and it will allow separating patients with Tuberculosis from other patients.

The project costs will be shared by the EU funded and UNDP implemented SCAD-V programme, ICRC project on improvement of healthcare in prisons and the MoJ, whereas UNDP and ICRC will guarantee the supply of construction materials and the MoJ will secure the workmanship and supervision of the implementation of construction works.

It is expected that in May-June 2009, with the establishment of the new Narcological Department of the Penitentiary Hospital, the treatment services provided to drug addicts will be improved and the innovative drug treatment methods will help to enhance the quality of life of drug addicted inmates. The project results will also contribute to the risk reduction for such blood-borne diseases, as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, C and Tuberculosis.