“We must pay special attention to children’s health. Not because we have warmer inclinations towards them, but to understand whether we are going to healthcare or to treatment. Today we must unite and create a system, which will continue to develop pediatrics, in order to ensure our future, the health of our nation”: Ara Babloyan Read about “Pediatrics and Geriatrics: Two “giants” of medicine, modern problems and solutions” international conference, that took place at YSMU.

The management and the entire staff of “Arabkir” Medical Complex express their deep concerns and indignation on the occasion of what happened to the doctor and the security guard at Muratsan University Hospital yesterday.   Violence against a doctor or other medical worker is reprehensible behavior and continues to tarnish our society, regardless of any circumstances.    Dear citizens, do not allow yourself to behave like this, control your emotions, especially in medical institutions, where devoted people work for your and your  relatives’ health.

World Diabetes Day was launched in 1991 and is celebrated on November 14, the day Frederick Bunting was born. He played a crucial role in the discovery of insulin. This is an occasion to once again talk about diabetes, its prevention and how to live with it.    According to the World Health Organization more than 415 million people have diabetes. It is predicted that by 2030 this number will increase to 551 million. The number of diabetic patients in Armenia is 110.000, 800 of them are children. This number is three times more than in the early 2000s. This has various reasons, among which the role of coronavirus and stress in recent years is significant. It is good that together with the morbidity numbers increasing, mortality rate has decreased by 3 times.  Doctors recommend checking blood glucose levels regularly and see a specialist in case of any changes. To prevent diabetes, proper lifestyle is important: physical inactivity and obesity are the main risk factors of diabetes.  The Endocrinology Service of “Arabkir” Medical Complex also serves patients with diabetes. Remember, that competent and proper control of diabetes is the most important thing in living with this pathology and maintaining the patient’s quality of life. 

Beautiful Khadija is from Algeria. She came to “Arabkir” MC by mediation of the Association for Bladder Exstrophy Community /ABEC/ and a longtime friend of our surgical team, Professor Paul A. Merguerian from Seattle Children’s Hospital.    25 year old Khadija was born with bladder exstrophy and has had surgeries, however, urinary incontinence persisted, causing a number of social and psychological problems. To solve the problem, the Monti-Mitrofanoff procedure was performed increasing urinary bladder capacity with intestinal segment. We are pleased to inform, that the operation and post-operative period went well and Khadija returned home last night, free of psychological and social difficulties she said she had before coming to “Arabkir”. The President of ABEC interviewed Khadija about her experience, how one “search” on Facebook changed her life, bringing her from Algeria to Armenia and giving the girl, in her words, a freedom that is dearer than anything.     Thank you, dear doctors!

“Our problems are general and our future should be united”: This edition of the “Inside Look” program of the Public Television of Artsakh was with Ara Babloyan.   Thank you, dear colleagues!

Yesterday an article - “Are Anahit Avanesyan and “Wigmore” Clinic connected by business interests? The opening of a new hospital is risky for the pediatric field” was posted on Oragir.news, where “Arabkir” Medical Complex was mentioned. On this occasion a number of journalists asked us questions, such as “why the minister hadn’t stopped the construction of a new clinic”, “why the specialists are “poached”, “what do we think about the opening of a new clinic”. We will answer those questions here. First of all, we would like to remind or inform you that the minister cannot prevent the opening of any new clinic in any way. In the RA, the economic order and the rights of the providers of medical care and services are determined by the Constitution of the RA and by the Law on Medical care and services, which guarantee freedom of economic activity, free economic competition and the right to provide medical care and services upon obtaining a license in a prescribed manner.  The Ministry has the right to inspect the quality of provided medical services and its compliance with standards, regardless of the medical institution’s status. If the services do not meet the standards, the ministry can suspend the license of the medical institution, and if they do, the ministry can “order” or “not order” services from the clinic, or “place a state order or not”. Thus, the relationship between the Ministry, as a state body, and the organizations providing medical services were listed above. Speaking about “poaching specialists” from “Arabkir”, we would like to inform, that specialists for the new clinic were recruited not only from “Arabkir”, but from other pediatric institutions of the country as well. In addition, this issue should also be given an objective assessment: specialists may have different goals and they may change their workplace to reach them. A part of them has no desire to treat the insolvent class of society, and wants to treat the solvent only, a part seeks to be able to earn more with less efforts, and the other part wants to move even further and take responsibility for well-organized services.  In all respects, “Arabkir” Medical Complex is proud to be the professional “source” in the field of pediatrics, where young physicians are specialized and can work in other medical institutions after completing their specialization. We can definitely emphasize that those, who, roughly said, aim to “make money” and not to treat people, do not correspond to the ideology of “Arabkir”.  As for the creation of a new pediatric medical institution and the emergence of new competitive challenges, our approach is unequivocal: if it leads to the improvement of the quality and accessibility of provided services, then it will correspond to our main goal. And if it leads to the increased cost of services, then the population itself will decide where to go.  We have spoken out many times and continue to insist that between the children’s medical institutions operating today, in particular, between 3 well-known clinics, cooperation rather than competition prevails. The competition is healthy and is aimed at service improvement.  We hope the newly opened clinic will choose that path as well, because no medical institution alone can fully solve all the problems that arise during its operation.

On October 28 and 29, the Dr. Edgar Housepian 1st Clinical Neuroscience Symposium on the topic “Epilepsy” took place. The symposium was held online, which was attended by about 600 physicians and medical professionals from all over the world: Bulgaria, Canada, USA, Armenia and others. The symposium was headed by Biayna Sukhudyan, head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery service of “Arabkir” MC. 12 lectures were presented in 6 sessions and after each session there was an extensive professional discussion.    The Ministry of Health of the RA will give 6 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to participants. Edgar Housepian was a famous American-Armenian neurosurgeon and beneficent. The Neurology and Neurosurgery service at “Arabkir” MC was named after him.    Watch the video filmed on the occasion of the symposium, about Professor Edgar Housepian and the Neurology and Neurosurgery service of “Arabkir” MC. 

With the invitation of the gastroenterology and endoscopic services of "Arabkir" MC Professor Christian Braegger, the head of the  gastroenterology and nutrition service of the Children's Hospital Zurich visited "Arabkir" MC. Professor's workshop was about "Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in children", which was attended by specialists not only from "Arabkir" MC, but by specialists from "Surb Astvatsamayr" MC and "Muratsan" Hospital Complex as well.  With the direct participation of Professor Braegger, 5 PEG placement interventions were performed on children with neurological disorders that have difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia), therefore, with oral feeding.    PEG is one of the most common methods in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. It is a quick and effective procedure and helps not only to avoid the complications of malnutrition, but also to improve the life quality of the patients and their caregivers.  The necessity of PEG is decided by the multidisciplinary team.

Our Swiss partners were in “Arabkir” MC again, in the framework of the Continuous Professional Development Program for nurses. The participants were greeted by Marlise Fleurie, Member of the Board of Directors of “Semra Plus” Foundation and responsible for educational programs, and Amalya Martirosyan, the president of Nursing Council of “Arabkir” MC-ICAH, coordinator of nursing educational programs.   The topics of this 3-day professional training were related to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in acute and chronic kidney failure, as well as the functions of nurses working in hemodialysis and emergency departments, skills for applying theoretical knowledge in practice, communication with the multidisciplinary team and with patients and their relatives, and proper resolutions in conflict situations.  The course on hemodialysis was conducted by Audrey Schneider and Aude Schwarz, nurse-lecturers from the Hemodialysis Department of the cantonal hospital of Jura, Switzerland. Manon Gigandin and Antony Racin exchanged practical skills with the nurses of the Reception and Emergency Department. Almost 20 nurses participated in this training program. By order of the Minister of Health of the RA, participants and lecturers Audrey Schneider and Aude Schwarz received 9 theoretical and 2 practical credits for continuous professional development.    To summarize the training, Marlise Fleurie met Ara Babloyan, the scientific director of “Arabkir” MC, professor. They discussed further cooperation programs as well.   

Health is the most precious asset of a person, and education is freedom.  Dear students, from kindergarten to university and postgraduate, who are our patients, we will help you to preserve your most valuable asset - your health, while you study and self-educate, and enjoy the joy of freedom. Thank you to all teachers, lecturers and good luck to all of you.  

THE HOME OF KINDNESS AND JOY   The Health Camp by “Arabkir” MC in Aparan was reopened after COVID restrictions and it has brought joy to children. They say that the camp became a home for them.    Huge thanks to the Swiss “Semra” Foundation and “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation for supporting the third shift.   In this video the campers and their parents talk about the days spent in beautiful Aparan and note that this is a special place, where everyone is sincere and full of love. 

I can hear now, thank you!    This is the video about this year՚s mission of the “Armenia Hearing Aid Project” initiative: one week of intensive work in Gyumri and Yerevan, hundreds of smiles on the faces of people, who have regained the ability of hearing, volunteers, who tell about their unforgettable emotions and, of course, a united team, that works all year round, providing aftercare services to beneficiaries.   The program has been implemented since 2017 in cooperation with the “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation, the “Arabkir” Medical Complex and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.    Thank you, dear benefactors, thank you to the founders, supporters and partners of this initiative.  

The fourth liver transplant on a child was performed yesterday in “Arabkir” Medical Complex by our team and Belarusian partners. Doctors avoid talking about the results of such complex operations, because, as they say, the operation is only the half of the job and the postoperative period is important as well. According to professor Rummo, despite all the difficulties that these complex operations have, the surgical part was successful and the data of the first day allows us to be optimistic about the results. “Arabkir” MC thanks the whole transplant team, our colleagues from the State Institution “Minsk Scientific and Practical Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology” and Health Fund for the Children of Armenia (HFC Armenia), supporters, the Ministry of Health of the RA, MoH of Artsakh Rep. for combining efforts and helping the little kid from Artsakh.    #livertransplant #ArabkirMC #MinskScientificPracticalCenterforSurgeryTransplantionandHematology #լյարդիփոխպատվաստում #ԱրաբկիրԲՀ

Our colleagues from Belarus in the field of liver transplant, headed by professor Oleg Rummo, are back in “Arabkir” MC. Today they met already operated patients and their parents, assessed childrens’ condition and gave medical advice to patients, who, according to Armenian colleagues, need liver transplant.    By the way, the photos of professor Rummo and professor Babloyan are taken by Michael, one of our little patients, who has had a liver transplant.

Mariam Hakhverdyan is one of our doctors and has answered some questions about coughing. Listen and learn about coughing more precisely, so you can know the do’s and don’ts if your child is coughing. https://www.facebook.com/UnicefArmenia/videos/1170086253555658

Those are the students of the center of speech development, which is part of the audiologic center of the “Arabkir” MC - ICAH. At the end of the year, during their ceremony, they presented the things they have learned: singing, dancing and reciting. The head of the audiologic center Tamara Manukyan, representatives of the “Howard Karagheusian” foundation (which provides hearing aids) and parents were in attendance.    The audiologic center has 40 children included in 4 pedagogical groups and they come to the center 4 days a week` 2 individual and 2 musical group lessons.   Speech development of children with hearing problems (especially in severe cases) is complex, time-consuming and requires dedication. Our team succeeds in this, which is evidenced by the speech of those bright kids, who will go to public schools and study with their peers. This year 12 students will go to school from the center.   Dear children, congratulations and good luck to you at school and everywhere!

“Arabkir” MC - ICAH team wishes happy 50th birthday to Armen Muradyan, YSMU rector, professor. Wishing health, peace and success to you, dearest Armen Abgari. May all your wishes come true, for the sake of the education of future doctors and the health of our society. 

Dear visitors and partners, We are happy to announce that the neurosurgical treatment of Parkinson’s Disease is now available in Armenia, at “Arabkir” Medical Center.    Our neurology and neurosurgery service team successfully performs Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This treatment method has a high efficiency proven by long experience and scientific data, and monitors the motor function of patients, preventing and treating the motor complications of the medication treatment and significantly increasing the patients’ life quality, independence and physical performance.    During this surgery, electrodes are implanted in damaged nuclei inside the brain. Those electrodes work with the help of a neurostimulator that is placed under the skin in the chest area. The programming and further management of the neurostimulator is done by a specialist and enables stable and continuous anti-parkinsonian and anti-dyskinetic results.     This neurosurgical method is used to treat patients with  generalized dystonia and drug-resistant essential tremor. Surgery is performed on patients, who have preoperative assessment.   In order to master Deep Brain Stimulation and further regulation of the device, neurosurgeon Sevak Badalyan has trained in Bulgaria (University Hospital “Saint Ivan Rilski” of Sofia), neurologist Zaruhi Tavadyan has trained in Austria (Physical Disability Center of University of Innsbruck) and in Hungary (University Hospital of Szeged).   ‍For more information call Neurology and Neurosurgery Service` 060 400 300 /22 21/.   * The article is intended for visitors and colleagues of “Arabkir” MC-ICAH.

It is with great sorrow and regret that I inform you that our beloved teacher - pediatric surgeon, professor Albert Vanyan has passed away.    The role of Albert Andranikovich in the development of Armenia’s pediatric surgery is invaluable, his personal merits, his love for children, young colleagues, for his profession and motherland are immeasurable. Thank you and may your kind soul rest in peace.   Ara Babloyan

Little patients welcomed the Arevshat music school students from Ararat region in “Arabkir” MC. They performed with folk instruments and made children's day different, happy and memorable.    The idea is splendid! To renovate the music school in their village, money was collected by charity. And these bright children are doing their own good work by contributing to the treatment of their peers with great mood and the small amount of money raised from their charity concert.   Thank you to the Health Fund for the Children of Armenia (HFC Armenia) and Come to village, Life is here initiative for introducing little kids from Arevshat to us.

Attention! Dear citizens According to the law “On cashless payments” adopted this year, medical and educational institutions must accept payments for services they provide from July 1st in Yerevan (from July 1st next year in regional centers and from July 1st 2024 in the entire territory of the RA) exclusively cashless. If visiting “Arabkir” MC-ICAH, please, keep in mind that all payments will be cashless.

“Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation together with University Children’s Hospital of Zurich and Fund for Armenian Relief have gifted a new video-EEG machine to “Arevik” medical association in Artask.   With its technical characteristics it is one of the best machines in the field. This machine will give the opportunity to provide short-term and long-term EEG monitoring, which will contribute to diagnose epilepsy and treat diagnosed cases.   On the device's launch occasion, the neurologists from “Arabkir” MC were in Artsakh. The head of the service Biayna Sukhudyan (who is neurology consultant of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Artsakh) has adjusted and conducted the first tests with the machine. She gave practical advice to her colleagues as well. The technician who will work on the EEG machine has been trained in “Arabkir” MC.

Dear colleagues Happy Medical Worker’s Day! I wish health and peace to each of you, happiness in personal life, prosperity and your families, progress and success in your work. Saved lives, healed patients, the bright smile of every child returning home are the best evaluation of your dedicated work. Good luck in your mission, wherever you are.    Arman Babloyan Director of “Arabkir” MC-ICAH

This photo story is about Hayk, one of the patients of “ArBeS Plus”. Properly organized and continuous work gives successful results.  “ArBeS Plus” is the new service of “ArBeS” health center and is aimed at adult rehabilitation therapy. The service is provided to people with: Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems, Central and peripheral nervous system disorders, Other complications from childhood Those conditions are manifested by: Neck, joint and back pain Movement restrictions Our specialized team works with patients guided by the individual rehabilitation plan that is developed for each patient. Training is on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients do not stay overnight.     For more information and to request an appointment call 060 40 30 30 /25 00/ from 09:30 to 16:30. Address - Yerevan, 32 Papazyan str.  Email - [email protected]   About Rehabilitation Department: https://www.arabkirmc.am/hy/feature/rehabilitation/104  * The article is intended for visitors of “Arabkir” MC-ICAH.  

Aram’s story is inspiring and imitable. His walking ability might have remained a dream, if his family hadn't applied to the “Arabkir” MC, the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department.    Meet and listen to strong Aram, his mother and doctor. United effort pays off.

Dear doctors, on July 10 and 11 this year’s series of annual lectures of the “Pediatric School” will take place at “Arabkir” MC-ICAH.   The program includes lectures by leading pediatricians from Armenia and University Childrens’ Hospital of Zurich about modern problems in Pediatrics.    The program is certified by the Ministry of Health of the RA. Registered participants will receive certificates with CPE credits.   To register, send an email to [email protected] .   Find agenda of the Pediatric School below: https://www.arabkirmc.am/files/62a0a158197f4.pdf 

Listen about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (arthritis of an unknown origin in children under the age of 16) by Gayane Khloyan, the head of the Rheumatology service of “Arabkir” MC. 

Read brief information about the inflammation of tonsils` tonsillitis presented by Sergey Sargsyan, the Head of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, consultant in Pediatrics of the MoH.

We all come from childhood, where everything is pure, kind and beautiful.    Dear children, congratulations on the sunniest day of your childhood, on June 1st - your rights’ protection day. May your pure, kind and beautiful childhood always live in you, regardless of age and other circumstances. We wish you a peaceful and healthy life, wherever you are.    Remember, that the team of “Arabkir” MC is the guarantee of your, your parents’ and maybe, in the future, of your child’s health right, and your faithful friend on the path of your healthy life. 

On the eve of Children's Day read about child’s health: Ara Babloyan answered the questions of the Iravunk newspaper. 

Deputy Director of Surgical services of “Arabkir” MC Sergey Babloyan, MD and surgeon Romik Sargsyan were in “Austrian Child and Mother Hospital Of Gyumri”. And operated some of them. During their visit our surgeons received twenty patients with congenital urogenital  anomalies and operated some of them.  This kind of professional visits are valuable especially for regional clinicians and give them an opportunity to learn theoretical innovations practically right at their workplace.   

The 200th kidney transplant was performed in “Arabkir” MC: 200 saved lives with the efforts and devotion of donors and doctors.  The first kidney transplant here was performed in May, 1991. The idea of the program came to professor Ara Babloyan after the earthquake, when many people, including children, who were left under the ruins, needed hemodialysis. However, hemodialysis could not be the final solution to that problem, especially in children; it affects the quality of life. Transplantation is considered a much more effective and guaranteed approach. The kidney transplant is performed by a multidisciplinary team. First, after discussing and taking into consideration medical, psychological and other aspects, the patient - donor pair is chosen, then the actual operation takes place. Surgeons work in two operating rooms in parallel. In the first operating room they take the organ from the donor, and in the second one they place it in the recipient՚s body. Then post-operative care and follow-up care of recipients starts. By the way, the Recipient՚s follow-up care department in “Arabkir” MC is the only one in Armenia. Currently, 180 patients are registered here, most of them - 163, with transplanted kidney, 16 with transplanted liver and one with transplanted heart. The video provides additional information about kidney transplant: patients tell about preoperative, surgical and postoperative periods, mentioning that the most important things in this difficult path are trusting in their doctors and the will to solve the problem together.