In response to journalists’ inquiries, we would like to inform you that a 14-year-old child ingested a large quantity of medication at home. The child was initially taken to Alaverdi Hospital for acute poisoning and, due to acute renal failure, was transferred to the "Arabkir" Medical Center the following day. Upon arrival at "Arabkir," the child was diagnosed with acute multi-organ failure. Unfortunately, despite the doctors' best efforts, the outcome was not successful.

Watch Public Radio's coverage of the event summarizing the program for children with hearing impairments.

The hall of "Arabkir" Medical Center was buzzing with activity during an event dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The "Havat" NGO for mothers of hearing-impaired children, together with UNICEF Armenia, presented the outcomes of their joint program addressing the needs of children with hearing impairments, including refugees, and fostering their social inclusion.   The program primarily focused on children from Artsakh with hearing problems. Key activities included collecting and verifying their data, conducting hearing tests, assessing their needs, and providing hearing aids and device inserts where necessary. The "DzaynEar" package of didactic materials for speech development classes was updated with resources for three age groups, and videos were created to guide parents.   The event opened with remarks from Professor Ara Babloyan, Scientific Director of "Arabkir" Medical Center, and Christine Weigand, UNICEF's representative in Armenia. Both highlighted the importance of early problem detection and intervention, stressing that collaboration between parents and specialists is vital to achieving meaningful results.   The event concluded with performances by young artists from the Speech Development Center of "Arabkir" Medical Center, joined by their older peers from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.   A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this impactful initiative!

The Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center continues to offer continuing professional development for pediatric nurses through both theoretical and practical seminars.

There are situations where even the most ordinary actions become dreams, and it is thanks to dedicated and professional doctors that these dreams are realized.   Such was the case with 11-year-old Vardan. News.am’s video tells the story of the boy’s journey back to life after a serious car accident. What seemed impossible became a reality, thanks to the team at the Department of Clinical Rehabilitology at the Arabkir Medical Center, their colleagues, and Vardan's family.

Today, we celebrate Pediatricians' Day. We are proud that the "Arabkir" Medical Center serves as a professional hub and a cornerstone for many pediatricians in our country. In our large family, working day and night for the health of children, we have not only several pediatric departments and outpatient clinics but also the 2nd Department of Pediatrics of YSMU and the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, serving as a unique bridge for scientific research, practical application, and professional education.   Dear pediatricians, you are the ones who serve society with dedication, ensuring the health and well-being of children. It is through your care and expertise that little patients smile once more and return home.   We thank you and congratulate you with all our hearts!

Dear parents,   Listen to the insights of Lia Andreasyan, a pediatrician at the Arabkir Medical Center, on acute otitis media in children. This episode of the "Buzh Info" program series is dedicated to you.   

Another rare case, another team victory at the "Arabkir" Medical Center.   A 17-year-old patient had been complaining of pain in the left hip joint for three years and recently started limping. He had undergone several examinations and, as usual, consulted a rheumatologist, receiving treatment for hip osteoarthritis. However, as the treatment showed no effectiveness, the patient was referred to the "Arabkir" Medical Center for an orthopedic consultation. The orthopedic team suspected osteoid osteoma and ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan, which confirmed the presence of osteoid osteoma located in the neck of the femur.   Osteoid osteoma is a rare bone formation, occurring in 1-2 out of 100,000 people, most commonly in those aged 5-20. Its origin often remains unknown, and it can be located in various parts of the bone, more frequently in the distal parts of the tubular bones. One of the key symptoms is pain, especially at night.   To alleviate the pain significantly impacting the patient's quality of life, a surgical intervention was planned under computed tomography guidance. This technique allowed the surgical team to identify the shortest, least traumatic, and most effective path for surgical instruments to access the osteoma without damaging other important anatomical structures.   After carefully selecting the optimal access point, the orthopedic surgeon inserted a metal guide wire into the pathological focus, made a small 1 cm incision at the entry point, and completely excised the osteoma using a special scalpel. The entire procedure was monitored in real-time by a radiologist who reviewed the CT images.   The patient experienced immediate relief following the surgery, with complete resolution of the pain and restoration of a balanced gait.

Marina Melkumova, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Arabkir Medical Center, presented the effects of energy drinks on the health of children and adolescents.   Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that affect metabolism, and they should not be included in children’s diets. The harmful effects of energy drinks include: Increased blood pressure Elevated heart rate Feelings of anxiety and restlessness Sleep disturbances and insomnia Dehydration In extreme cases, heart rhythm disturbances, acute kidney failure, and convulsions. In Armenia, as in many parts of the world, the number of adolescents—and even children—consuming energy drinks is rising each year. According to the Health Behavior in School-Age Children Survey (2022), 40% of adolescents in Armenia consume energy drinks weekly. A video on this topic will be released soon.

In honor of World Pneumonia Day, we share valuable insights from Dr. Gevorg Boyajyan, Head of the Pulmonology Department at "Arabkir" Medical Center. We invite you to visit the department's page to learn more about its initiatives and meet the dedicated team caring for our young patients. These tireless professionals work around the clock to safeguard children’s health with unwavering commitment.

Today marks the International Day of Radiology, a day to celebrate radiologists and their essential contributions to medicine. We extend our congratulations and best wishes for continued advancement and growth in this critical field. In honor of the occasion, we invite you to watch an interview with Marine Grigoryan, Head of the Radiology Department at the Arabkir Medical Center, featured on news.am.  

At just 5 days old, baby Narek was diagnosed with biliary atresia—a congenital condition involving the absence of intrahepatic bile ducts. His only chance for survival was a liver transplant. Narek was immediately placed under the care of gastroenterologist-hepatologists at the "Arabkir" Medical Center. According to protocol, he needed to grow to 7-8 kilograms—typically achieved by 6-7 months old—before he could undergo the transplant. Narek was growing well with his mother’s milk and reached the required weight. The operation was scheduled for November 1, and our dedicated team of doctors and staff prepared for the procedure. However, an unexpected turn occurred: due to an acute respiratory infection, Narek quickly developed liver failure, disrupting all prior plans. Our team faced the immense challenge of arranging the operation within hours. In what seemed improbable, everything came together. Colleagues from Minsk and Korea arrived to assist, and the transplant took place on October 29. Narek’s devoted father selflessly donated part of his liver. The surgery went smoothly, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the specialists involved. Currently, Narek and his doctors are navigating the challenging post-surgical journey, making progress each day with increasingly positive outcomes. During this critical time, as always, The Health Fund for Children of Armenia, led by Armen Martirosyan, stood by our side. The Fund’s financial support, made possible by generous public donations, is invaluable not only to our medical center but to our country, as the surgery costs far exceed what the state can cover. This collaboration between the state, charitable organizations, and medical institutions exemplifies the power of unity for the sake of a child's life. Thank you to everyone who contributed ❤️ Wishing health to Narek and all children ❤️

Dear colleagues, especially healthcare organizers and practicing doctors, We invite you to explore an important work published in Switzerland, titled "Digitalization of Medicine in Low- and Middle-Income Countries." You can access the book by following the link. Published by Springer Nature, the book is edited by Zisis Kozlakidis, Head of the Laboratory Service and Biobank Group at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); Professor Armen Muradyan, Rector at Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi, and Karine Sargsyan, Scientific Director of Oncobiobanking at Cedars-Sinai Medical University, California, USA, and WHO expert. This publication addresses the challenges, progress, and future perspectives of digitizing medicine across various fields. It also highlights several success stories that offer valuable insights into the process. Notably, some chapters of the book were authored by Armenian specialists. One such chapter, "Digitalization of Pediatrics in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," was written by Sergey Sargsyan, Head of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health at the "Arabkir" Medical Center, Associate Professor at Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), and WHO expert. We are proud to highlight his contribution to this important work.

Astghik Mirzakhanyan, a pediatrician at the 'Arabkir' Medical Center, discusses the important topic of selecting the right pacifiers and bottles. In the 'Buj Info' program, she explains the materials these products are made from, whether they may interfere with breastfeeding, and offers guidance on how to properly disinfect them before use.

Pediatrician Mary Marandyan offers expert advice on selecting the best diaper for babies. In this issue of "Buj Info," she discusses the differences between diapers for boys and girls, how to choose the right one, and key factors to consider when making a selection.

Pediatric nephrologist Diana Voskanyan discusses urinary stones (urolithiasis) in children. Dear parents, please be cautious and consult a doctor if any symptoms arise.  

The "Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center" is another outcome of the collaboration between the "Arabkir" Medical Center-Institute of Child and Adolescent Health and the Fund for Armenian Relief. The goal of the center is to promote continuous professional development through both theoretical and practical courses. The first course, aimed at pediatric nurses, has already been held. Dear nurses and therapists, learn more by visiting the page of the newly established center.

Famous blogger Harutyun Hakobyan recently visited our family hotel in Artanish. Come and experience the beauty and warmth of one of Sevan's most charming shores. Watch the video of his visit here.

A team of doctors from Seattle Children’s Hospital, led by Professor Paul Merguerian, once again visited the "Arabkir" Medical Center as part of a tradition that has been ongoing in recent years.   The patients selected for consultation were not only from the "Arabkir" Medical Center, but also included rare and complex cases from other medical centers, such as Surb Astvatmayr Medical Center and Muratsan University Clinic.   Professor Merguerian, pediatric urologist Margarett Shnorhavorian, and pediatric surgeon, coloproctologist Caitlin Smith, collaborated with local doctors to discuss over 60 urological and surgical cases, performing nearly 30 surgeries. Many of these surgeries were rare and involved innovative approaches not commonly practiced in Armenia.   The visits of Professor Merguerian and his team serve a professional and educational purpose for all clinics in Armenia. The goal of the project is to provide an opportunity for doctors from various centers to engage in consultations with specialists from world-leading institutions and to participate in joint surgeries at the "Arabkir" Medical Center.

Innovative Solutions at "Arabkir" Medical Center This time, news.am highlights the Plastic, reconstructive and laser surgery service at the "Arabkir" Medical Center, focusing on unique operations conducted in collaboration with colleagues from the USA. During the filming, the "masters of dreams" were working to restore the smile of a child suffering from facial nerve palsy.

October 16 marks the professional day of anesthesiologists.   On this day in 1846, American dentist Thomas Morton performed the first operation using ether anesthesia. Since that groundbreaking moment nearly 180 years ago, anesthetic agents and techniques have greatly advanced, and anesthesiology has evolved into an essential branch of medicine—integral to both major and minor surgical interventions.   Congratulations, dear anesthesiologists! You are the specialists whose work often goes unnoticed—well, since you’re the ones who put patients to sleep. , But your contributions are invaluable and deserve the deepest gratitude.  https://arabkirmc.am/hy/services/48

Today is World Palliative Care Day.     Palliative care is a branch of medicine dedicated to supporting people in serious health conditions, aiming to alleviate patients' pain and assist both them and their families with physical and psychological challenges related to the illness.    Since 2015, "Arabkir" MC-ICAH has offered a specialized children's palliative care service in Armenia, initiated by the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health. You can learn more about this service at the link provided.   https://arabkirmc.am/en/feature/edai/56  

"Arabkir" Medical Center has joined the Headache Awareness Campaign in honor of Professor Jes Olesen. As part of this initiative, we are participating in an international conference and medical expo, held today and tomorrow at the Karen Demirtchian Sports and Concert Complex. 

Attention, Colleagues, The 3rd Dr. Raffy Hovanessian International Medical Conference is just a few days away! Follow the link to register—participation is free. This year’s topic is Innovations in Interventional Radiology for Liver Cirrhosis. https://www.facebook.com/icpdarm/posts/pfbid0CQAJFcotNCuseEbZmADQAkJEGudifEdG6eFBESh3KUZqwqsWumvL2fEgGvjcejiEl  

This year’s mission of the Armenia Hearing Aid Project has been successfully completed. Approximately 1,000 individuals, who for various reasons were not covered by state programs, received digital and analog hearing devices. The Armenian partner for this project is the “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation. Watch the coverage on Public TV.

 The Neurology and epileptology service of the "Arabkir" Medical Center, the "Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center" foundation, and the National Institute of Health after Academician Avdalbekyan of the Ministry of Health conducted a professional EEG course for mid-level medical personnel.   Lectures were given by invited specialists from abroad, including Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Aline Herlopian (USA), Electroencephalography Technician of Keck Hospital at the University of Southern California Garnik Abajyan (USA), Associate Professor of Neurology and Head of the Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Department at the University of California Irvine, Head of the Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Program and Neurology Residency Lilit Mnatsakanyan (USA), and Gayane Melikyan (Qatar), Associate Professor in Weill Cornell Medical College.   The course was opened and summarized by the Head of the Neurology and Epileptology Service of the "Arabkir" Medical Center, Associate Professor of Neurology at the National Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health (NIH of the MօH) Biaina Sukhudyan, and the Deputy Director for Science at the NIH of the MօH, Head of the Chair of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Samson Khachatryan.   The three-day course was attended by EEG technicians and medical personnel from a number of clinics across Armenia. Participants will receive 9 theoretical credits and 1 practical credit.

  The Pediatrics Conference, organized through the joint efforts of the Armenian Pediatric Association, Armenian EyeCare Project, and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, has officially started. ✅ During the opening, the participants were welcomed by Professor Ara Babloyan, Professor Ashot Sargsyan, President of the Armenian Pediatric Association, Nune Yeghiazaryan, Head of the Armenian EyeCare Project, Nune Pashayan, Head of the Mother and Child Health Care Department at the Ministry of Health of Armenia, and Professor Eyal Ben-Isaac of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. ✅ Doctors from the "Arabkir" Medical Center are actively participating in the conference, both as speakers and attendees, as well as members of the scientific committee. ✅ This year’s conference targets pediatricians, family doctors, child and adolescent psychiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, pediatric infectious disease specialists, pediatric nephrologists, pediatric allergists and immunologists, and pediatric pulmonologists.

"Arabkir" Medical Center is seeking a qualified pharmacist with a diploma in Pharmacy. Responsibilities: Preparation, micro-weighing, and dosing of in-house preparations in the hospital pharmacy Storage and dispensing of medications and other preparations Performing additional tasks assigned by the pharmacy manager Requirements: Strong sense of responsibility Conscientiousness Accuracy and precision Conditions: Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM A fixed probationary period following an initial interview To apply, please send your CV to [email protected] with the subject line "Pharmacist."  

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the International Conference on General Pediatrics, organized through the joint efforts of the Armenian Pediatric Association, the Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP), and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, will be held from September 19 to September 20, 2024, from 13:00 to 19:00. This annual conference will focus on current issues in pediatrics and the latest approaches to the prevention, treatment, and management of childhood diseases. Renowned pediatric specialists from the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and Armenia will deliver lectures and presentations, including the discussion of interesting clinical cases and topics on child development. The conference program has been approved by the Ministry of Health of Armenia, and participants will have the opportunity to earn 10 CME credits. The conference will be held in a hybrid format: in person at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Yerevan and online via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for both in-person and online participation. To register, please visit the following link: Zoom Registration The program is available on the LearnWithOpen.org platform: Conference Program For more information, please contact the office of the Armenian EyeCare Project at (+374) 10 55 90 68 or via email at [email protected].  

As this year’s program of the "Arabkir" Medical Center’s wellness camp in Aparan draws to a close, the students enjoy their last meal together, which they describe as the most delicious of the camp. The final day is marked by a festive atmosphere, with songs, dances, and the lighting of a bonfire, symbolizing the culmination of their camp experience. This year, the camp welcomed 120 children across four shifts. In some cases, mothers accompanied their children to provide additional care and support. The dedicated and warm-hearted team — including doctors, rehabilitation specialists, educators, psychologists, cooks, sanitary workers, and organizers—was joined by a group of volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former camp participants who understand the profound impact of the camp's 14 summer days, set at the foot of Mount Ara in a pine grove rich in oxygen. The campers shared their experiences with visiting parents and guests, enhancing their stories with captivating videos and performances created during their time at the camp. As the new school year begins, we extend our congratulations to everyone involved and wish them a bright and successful journey.  

The Speech Development Center for children with hearing impairments at the "Arabkir" Medical Center was filled once again for the end-of-year ceremony. This annual event marks a significant milestone for the children who have attended the center for several years, participating in individual audiological assessments and group music and dance therapies, learning to speak and read through the dedicated efforts of specialists and parents. We proudly congratulate our 10 graduates this year and wish them success as they continue their educational journey, starting from the age of 1.5-2 years, now ready to embark on their next chapter in school.  

The remarkable work of doctors often appears almost unbelievable, yet it results in saving lives through extraordinary acts. This video from the public TV company "News" tells the story of 9-year-old Lilit and her mother, who selflessly donated her kidney to her daughter, offering her a new chance at life. This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering efforts and dedication of the organ transplant team at the "Arabkir" Medical Center.