June 1 marks the day dedicated to protecting children’s rights. In today’s photo series, we celebrate the little members of “Arabkir” MC alongside their doctor moms and dads. These children patiently await the return of their parents, who tirelessly heal and save the lives of many others. Here's to you, our little ones! May you all enjoy a healthy and peaceful childhood.

  At the “Aravot Luso” program booth of the Public TV Company, Astghik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Immunology Service at the “Arabkir” Medical Center, discussed the “Allergology, Immunology” symposium and the modern achievements of allergology, including their availability in Armenia.   https://www.facebook.com/ArabkirJMC/videos/446841641617888

  “Arabkir” Medical Center is hiring nurses on a permanent basis, for shift and day work schedules.    Responsibilities: perform the appointments of doctors accurately and fully, with quality and on time, perform the organization of laboratory and instrumental examinations on time, monitor the results, perform therapeutic care of patients, diagnostic, treatment and prevention interventions according to the doctor’s appointment. Requirements: secondary vocational education, kind, friendly and willing to learn.   Advantages: opportunities to work with modern equipment, high-quality materials and instruments, invaluable experience of working in a professional team with doctors, continuous professional development. Trial period. Before becoming a full member of our team, the candidate goes through a 3-month trial period, however, the trial period may be shortened, depending on its course. The trial period helps to get acquainted with the internal regulations of the company and with the performance of work, and gain professional practical and theoretical skills. To apply, send your CV and motivational letter to [email protected].

  Today is the 100th birthday of our beloved Charles Aznavour, unfortunately, it’s already the 6th without him. There are no words to express our love and respect for the greatest Charles Aznavour. Today, his presence is felt everywhere, and it’s evident that he is dearly missed. In 2006, the team at the “Arabkir” Medical Center had the honor of hosting Charles Aznavour. At the invitation of Professor Ara Babloyan, the world-famous chansonnier visited the “Arabkir” MC, where thousands of children’s lives are saved through daily humble dedication. At the time, the operating room of the ENT department at the medical center was renovated under the patronage of the Aznavour Foundation, for which we are extremely grateful.

  Attention! Dear colleagues,  On May 31 and June 1, the annual “Pediatric School” by the Armenian Pediatric Association will take place at the conference hall of the “Arabkir” MC-ICAH. The school's guest of honor will be Professor Christian Braegger from the University Children's Hospital in Zurich. Topics including pediatric gastroenterology, pulmonology, neurology, rheumatology, and immunology will be covered. The program has been approved by the RA Ministry of Health. Doctors who participate in both days of lectures will receive certificates with corresponding DME credits.  To participate, please register in advance by sending an email to [email protected] by May 27th, indicating your name, profession, place of work, position, and contact information.

  The Allergology/Immunology International Hybrid Symposium of Armenia was conducted through the collaborative efforts of the “Arabkir” Medical Center, International Center for Professional Development (ICPD) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and professional associations within Armenia’s healthcare sector.  The conference was held in a hybrid format, bringing together a diverse audience, including family physicians, pediatricians, allergists, infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists and emergency medicine specialists, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this field.   Presentations were delivered by experts from Armenia, as well as renowned hospitals and universities in the USA and Europe. The distinguished guests of the conference included Susanne Halken, Clinical Professor of Pediatric Allergology at the Research Unit of Pediatrics at the University of Southern Denmark; Philippe Eigenmann, Professor of Pediatric Allergology at the Geneva University Hospital; and Ana Margarida Neves, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and Coordinator of the Department of Pediatric Allergology at the Department of Pediatrics. The symposium was chaired by Raffi Tachdjian, MD, Master of Public Health, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Philippe Eigenmann from the Geneva University Hospital and Astghik Baghdasaryan from “Arabkir” MC-ICAH served as co-chairs.

  Watch Armenia TV’s “Zham” news report on World Traumatologist Day, featuring a video with Vahe Yavryan, Head of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics at the “Arabkir” Medical Center.

  Every year on May 20th, the professional day of traumatologists is celebrated worldwide. It is another occasion to reflect on this respected and essential profession, and to acknowledge the dedication of its practitioners. We extend our gratitude to them for addressing various issues of the musculoskeletal system, and for their efforts in restoring, preserving, and enhancing the quality of our lives.   Congratulations to all our esteemed doctors. May you remain healthy and happy with your loved ones!   Learn more about the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics at the 'Arabkir' Medical Center here.

  Explore children’s skin health on the joint program “Parental meeting” by UNICEF, the RA Ministry of Health, and Public TV, featuring commentary by dermatologists Tatevik Harutyunyan and Armine Adilkhanyan from the “Arabkir” Medical Center.

  Explore urinary tract infections (UTI) on the OPEN Family Education platform, featuring Diana Voskanyan, a young pediatric nephrologist at the “Arabkir” Medical Center.

  Congratulations on your professional day, dear nurses.   Your daily work is a mission - dedicated, humane, and caring. We wish you a fulfilling journey and express our heartfelt gratitude. Stay healthy and happy with your families and loved ones as you continue your mission in peace, caring for our young and old patients.

  Dear doctors, Registration is still open for the Allergy/Immunology International Hybrid Symposium of Armenia. For further details, please follow the link: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=937272848184012&set=a.575939314317369

  Marking World Asthma Day, hear advice from Aghavni Safaryan, a doctor from the Respiratory Medicine and Allergology Service at the “Arabkir” Medical Center, on the OPEN Family Education platform.    https://www.facebook.com/reel/1111645363421558

  I am convinced: to have a strong state, we must ensure a safe, educated, and healthy society. A well-educated, healthy populace in a secure nation will produce the greatest good." - Ara Babloyan, “Meeting on the First” Program

  Happy Birthday, dear Ara Sayen Babloyan! We wish you health, peace and success in all your endeavors. May your journey be fulfilling as you undertake initiatives for the benefit of our country and the health and well-being of young and old patients of our big family, the “Arabkir” Medical Center. Your dedication is invaluable. Thank you!

  We continue to share advice from doctors at the “Arabkir” Medical Center with parents on the OPEN Family Education platform. This time, listen to pediatrician Sinam Papyan as she discusses the flu virus.  https://www.facebook.com/reel/878991964058631

  Professor Ashot Sargsyan emphasizes the significance of examining urinary stones and understanding their composition in the #OPENFamilyEducation series, offering advice to parents. 

  On World Autism Awareness Day listen to the valuable advice shared by our developmental pediatricians Irina Tovmasyan and Nvard Ter-Oskanyan in the #OpenFamilyEducation series.

  April 2nd has been marked in the medical calendar since 2007, designated by the UN General Assembly. The goal is to raise awareness and knowledge about individuals with autism, their rights, and opportunities.    This year, for the first time, individuals with autism themselves will share their experiences at an international forum, representing various regions. The theme of the day is “Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals share regional perspectives.”   “Arabkir” Medical Center is one of the first organizations addressing autism-related issues in our country, if not the very first. In the early 90s, our specialists from the "ArBeS" Health Center underwent training in the USA and European countries. They participated in courses and international conferences featuring the latest programs in pediatric rehabilitation, developmental pediatrics and related fields. They then brought this professional knowledge back to Armenia, laying the groundwork for the establishment of new services, including autism diagnosis, supervision, and the formation of specialized teams to work with children.    It is essential to recognize that autism, like any other condition, can affect anyone. No one is immune, and being well-informed and taking appropriate steps in such cases is crucial.

  Kindergarten “DINO” was established with the co-founding of the “Arabkir” Medical Center. “DINO” is licensed by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Armenia for the purpose of implementing a preschool educational program. It has three groups:  nursery: 1,5-3 years old, middle: 3-5 years old,  senior: 5-6 years old. Each group is limited to 15 children. “DINO” is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a nap time from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. In addition to the tasty meals, we offer a daily "vitamin hour" with fresh fruits and veggies.  In "DINO", apart from the complex educational programs, there are also alternative programs that are continuously changed and updated in accordance with the requirements of the time. Here your child will learn important skills like: fluent speech foreign languages  basic mathematics ethics Your child can also join programs like: singing  dance karate summer school training classes.   Address: Yerevan, Vahe Vahyan 2  E-mail: [email protected]  Phone number: +374 98 342 702 and +374 95 557 163 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078210485841

  Today, March 26, is Purple day, also known as Epilepsy Awareness Day. This day was initiated by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan, who wrote a letter sharing her experience of living with epilepsy. She encouraged people to see epilepsy not as a sentence, but as a condition to live with, just like any other. Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide, with the causes remaining unknown in 50% of cases. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or social status. In Armenia, many children with epilepsy receive care at the Department of Neurology and Epileptology of the "Arabkir" Medical Center. Our dedicated team of specialists strives to provide the best possible care, staying up-to-date with modern medical advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. Here are some simple tips from Ani Gevorgyan, the head of the Neurology Department at the "Arabkir" Medical Center, on what to do and not to do if you witness someone having an epileptic seizure.  Stay calm and start timing the seizure. Remove any sharp and dangerous objects near the person. Turn them on their side. Place something soft under their head. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck and keep the airway clear. Call an ambulance. If they have food or fluid in their mouth, remove it after the seizure is over. Do not try to open their mouth. Do not put anything in the person’s mouth. Do not give them food, water or pills. Stay with the person until the seizure stops or medical help has arrived. Most seizures last for minutes.

  World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on March 21. In the medical calendar, this day has been chosen in 2011 by the decision of the UN General Assembly. The goal is to raise public awareness of Down syndrome and advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome. This year’s slogan for the day is "End the stereotypes". In many countries around the world, the most popular flash mob activity for Down syndrome day involves wearing colorful socks to break stereotypes.    The date 21.03 was not chosen by chance. It is significant because Down syndrome is characterized by the triplication of the 21st human chromosome. Typically, there are two copies of chromosomes, but in this case, there are three, resulting in a total number of 47 chromosomes. And it is this additional 47th chromosome that makes people with Down syndrome unique and recognizable.   According to the World Health Organization, one out of every 1,000 or 1,100 babies is born with Down syndrome. Since this syndrome does not discriminate based on nationality, gender, skin color, or place of residence, it is assumed that the WHO’s estimate applies to all countries, including Armenia, where clear statistics on people with Down syndrome are lacking. In our country, there are non-governmental organizations dedicated to addressing the issues faced by children and adults with Down syndrome. These organizations aim to promote their inclusion, capacity development, and protection of rights. Doctors, including the specialists at the "Arabkir" medical center, are well-informed about the medical aspects of Down syndrome, such as its tendency to cause cardiac, respiratory, hearing and digestive problems.They focus on providing support and rehabilitation to individuals with Down syndrome, helping to develop their physical skills.   #WorldDownSyndromeDay #ArabkirMC

  The Diagnostic Radiology Service at the “Arabkir” medical center is currently hiring an X-Ray technician. For more information, please call 015 400 300, extension 11 75. To apply, please send your CV to [email protected] .

  Continuing our commitment to #OPENFamilyEducation, we’re sharing valuable advice from our doctors.   Listen to Serine Matevosyan, one of our physicians from the Department of Children under 1 year, as she provides guidance on dealing with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Learn what actions can be taken at home, what should be avoided, how to support your child in overcoming virus-related issues, and when it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1055688485464345 

  Public television also covered the symposium held on the occasion of World Kidney Day. Discover why kidney health is so important, including insights into the most prevalent kidney problems and those that are less common. Learn about the modern methods used for detecting and treating kidney issues. Find out more details in the accompanying video.   From hemodialysis and kidney transplant to onco-nephrology, the “Kidney Health for All” symposium has drawn the participation of over 80 doctors. The event not only features presentations and analyses, but also highlights rare cases encountered in clinical practice.   Ashot Sargsyan, President of the Armenian Pediatric Association and Head of the Nephrology Service at the “Arabkir” Medical Center, remarked: “Among the selected topics, we have prioritized discussions on highly significant diseases affecting various departments and clinics. These include nephrology in oncology, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and other prevalent conditions.” Here’s an excerpt from the remarks of Ara Babloyan, the Scientific Director of the “Arabkir” Medical Center: “Nephrology is a complex, fascinating and deeply intricate field of both profession and science. Each aspect requires thorough consideration and dedication, a continual process of giving and receiving knowledge. Today, we embarked on this journey together during our symposium.”   In Armenia, as in the rest of the world, the incidence of kidney pathologies is on the rise each year. Currently, there are over a thousand individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment, while kidney transplants are exclusively performed using donations from related donors.   Milena Voskanyan, Head of the Follow-up department for Organ Transplant Patients at “Arabkir” Medical Center, remarked: “Today, we will also review the outcomes and advancements of kidney transplantation in Armenia over the years. In the past two decades, we have successfully conducted 245 kidney transplants from related donors, marking significant progress. Notably, we have witnessed the remarkable success of four young women who have undergone kidney transplants and collectively have five children. It's heartening to see both the children and the transplant recipients living healthy lives.”   The symposium also covers primary and secondary pathologies of kidney diseases. Nerses Ghahramanyan, Head of the Follow-up/Dispensary Department at the Hematology and Chemotherapy Clinic of the Hematology Center after Yolyan under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, explained: “I will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of AL Amyloidosis, a rare and serious disease. While several cases are diagnosed each year, treatment typically involves chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy. In some cases, bone marrow transplantation may be necessary.” The meeting also addresses hemolytic-uremic syndrome, with presentations on the Armenian experience. Ashot Sargsyan, President of the Armenian Pediatric Association and Head of the Nephrology Service at “Arabkir” Medical Center, shared: “Hemolytic-uremic syndrome has become prevalent in Armenia, with recent outbreaks observed. This condition, commonly found in children, has also affected adults. We even encountered a case of a pregnant woman who successfully delivered after undergoing long-term dialysis, which is a significant achievement.”   Many kidney diseases develop without noticeable symptoms and can only be detected through regular screenings.

  Watch the video from “Mir” TV company covering the symposium dedicated to World Kidney Day. The slogan for the day is “Kidney health for everyone: prioritizing access to care and treatment.” #WorldKidneyDay2024 #ArabkirMC   https://mir24.tv/.../vsemirnyi-den-pochki-v-erevane…  

  News.am reports on the symposium held to mark World Kidney Day, an event chosen in the medical calendar primarily to raise public awareness and discuss diseases and their prevention. The speeches at the symposium were predominantly professional yet informative.   https://med.news.am/.../erikamayin-anbavararutyunn-aylevs... #WorldKidneyDay #ArabkirMC Kidney failure is no longer considered a death sentence. What treatment methods are available in Armenia today, and what advancements can we expect in the future?   Just 50 years ago, kidney failure, along with most other kidney diseases, was often perceived as a terminal condition. However, today, patients with these diseases in Armenia are focusing not on life expectancy, but on improving their quality of life and selecting the most suitable treatment for their specific circumstances.   The development of nephrology and onco-nephrology in Armenia, introduction of advanced treatment methods of kidney diseases, including transplantation. All these topics were discussed during a symposium organized at the “Arabkir” Medical Center - Institute of Children and Adolescent Health in honor of World Kidney Day, a global event celebrated since 2006. Professor Ashot Sargsyan, the Head of the Nephrology, Hemodialysis and Kidney Transplantation Clinic at the “Arabkir” Medical Center, highlighted to NEWS.am Medicine that the purpose of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness about kidney diseases, which are increasingly prevalent worldwide. The symposium focused on addressing the most pressing issues currently faced in Armenia concerning kidney health. Nephrology in Armenia: Progressing from a “life sentence” to Hemodialysis Implementation   Pediatric urologist-surgeon, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Ara Babloyan shared with NEWS.am Medicine that in the 1960s and 1970s, it was commonly believed that individuals with kidney failure faced an unpromising future. Unfortunately, during those years, this belief was not unfounded, as there were limited options available for such patients in Armenia.   The severity of the situation became evident following the 1988 Spitak earthquake, where many survivors tragically died due to the lack of hemodialysis equipment.   As explained by Dr. Helen Nazaryan, Head of the Hemodialysis and Kidney Transplant Department, some survivors who were trapped under rubble for extended periods developed a condition known as “Crash syndrome”, characterized by acute kidney failure. For these individuals, continuous hemodialysis treatment, sometimes lasting up to 40 days, was crucial for recovery and future quality of life. Without dialysis, survival was unlikely. Regrettably, this was the fate for many earthquake victims. Despite international aid efforts, there remained a shortage of dialysis machines.   Following the earthquake, hemodialysis machines were introduced in Armenia, as explained by Dr. Nazaryan. Specialized departments were established in various hospitals, and medical personnel received training. Today, there are 16 hemodialysis departments across the country, all equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.   Transplantation: New Hope and Improved Quality of Life  While hemodialysis can rescue individuals from potential death in cases of kidney failure, undergoing this procedure three times a week for 15-20 years can pose certain challenges and adversely affect their quality of life. Dr. Nazaryan also noted that for pediatric patients, persistent dialysis can slow down their growth and development. For such individuals, a kidney transplant offers a solution, promising a fuller life.   According to Professor Babloyan, the first kidney transplant surgeries in Armenia date back to the 1970s.Initially sporadic, these operations became more frequent after 1991. By 1994, approximately 20 kidney transplants from deceased donors had been conducted in Armenia, with organs often procured from Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), as Dr. Nazaryan recalled.   Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country encountered certain challenges, resulting in a hiatus in transplant surgeries for several years. However, in 1999, Professor Babloyan successfully performed two more transplants. Subsequently, with the enactment of the Organ Transplantation Law in 2002, such procedures became more regular. As highlighted by Helen Nazaryan, from 2002 to the present, Armenia has witnessed 245 kidney transplants from living donors, offering renewed hope and improved quality of life for recipients.    Next steps: Cadaver Donors and Artificials Organs   Currently, up to 22 kidney transplants are performed annually in the republic. However, there is a much larger number of hemodialysis patients who require transplants, currently estimated at about 1,200.   For many of these patients, suitable donors cannot be found. However, the development of cadaver donation in the country could significantly improve the lives of at least some of these patients.   As mentioned by Dr. Nazaryan, there are currently no legal obstacles to cadaveric organ and tissue donation in Armenia, but there are some challenges related to the mindset of both the population and medical staff. Overcoming these obstacles and initiating organ transplantation from brain-dead individuals could potentially save the lives of many patients with serious kidney disease.   According to Ashot Sargsyan, addressing certain issues related to transplantation from both living and cadaver donors in the near future is desirable. Primarily, this includes addressing the issue of organ rejection, where the recipient's body rejects the transplanted organ. To prevent this, immunosuppressants are currently used, which unfortunately come with numerous unwanted side effects.   If a solution can be found, perhaps through genetic engineering or other methods, to make the recipient's body tolerant to the transplanted organ, eliminating the need for immunosuppression, it would mark a significant advancement in kidney disease treatment. Efforts in this direction are already underway, with many doctors and patients worldwide eagerly awaiting the results.   However, experts remain uncertain about the timeline for the development of artificial or 3D-printed organs for transplantation. According to Dr. Sargsyan, the kidney is a highly complex and “smart” organ, making it challenging to create an artificial replica. While he does not discount the possibility for the future, it remains uncertain. Additionally, xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from animals, may become a possibility in the near future, but significant scientific advancement would be required to achieve this.  

On March 14 in the frames of the World Kidney Day 2024, the Symposium on Kidney Health was held with participation of more than 85 medical doctors -pediatric and adult nephrologists, hemodialysis and intensive care doctors, surgeons and other specialists.. Professor Ara Babloyan - Scientific Head of the Arabkir MC and Professor Ashot Sarkissian – Head of Nephrology service of Arabkir MC, President of Armenian Association of Nephrologists, Hemodialysis and Transplant doctors and Armenian Pediatric Association - welcomed the participants. Scientific program of the Symposium was dedicated to AL Amyloidosis and developments of Onconephrology, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), Achievements and problems of Kidney Transplantation in Armenia. Lectures have been provided by specilaists of Arabkir MC, Mikaelyan University hospital, Hematology Center after Prof. Yolyan, National Center of Oncology named after Prof. Fanarjyan, Atsghik MC. Outstanding clinical cases were presented and discussed. The symposium was organized by the Armenian Pediatric Association in collaboration with Arabkir MC, Armenian Association of Nephrologists, Hemodialysis and Transplant doctors under support of the International Society of Nephrology. The participants will be issued the certificates with CME credits.  

  Kidneys are complex and interesting organs, often described in medical literature as a pair of fist-sized organs, located deep within the abdomen, beneath the rib cage. They perform numerous vital functions to maintain our health. Among these functions, the most fundamental is filtering toxins from the blood and regulating water balance. Additionally, kidneys play a crucial role in controlling our blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and ensuring bone health by regulating mineral levels such as sodium and potassium, as well as maintaining the body’s acid-base and water balance.   In honor of World Kidney Day, a symposium will be held today at 15:00 in the conference hall of the “Arabkir” Medical Center. This event is organized jointly by the Armenian Pediatric Association, Armenian Society of Nephrology, Hemodialysis and Transplantation, with the support of the International Society of Nephrologists. 

  On the occasion of spring holidays, we’re offering discounted prices on the following tests:   Vitamin D3 - 7000 AMD (instead of 10 000 AMD)  Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) - 3 500 AMD (instead of 4 500 AMD)  Anti-Peroxidase antibodies (Anti TPO) - 4 900 AMD (instead of 5 500 AMD)  Antithyroglobulin antibodies (Anti TG) - 4 900 AMD (instead of 5 500 AMD) Free thyroxine (FT4) - 3 500 AMD (instead of 4 500 AMD) Triiodothyronine (T3) - 3 600 AMD (instead of 4 500 AMD) Get tested from March 8 to April 7 with up to 30% off regular prices. Yerevan, Mamikonyants 30 015 400 300, ext. 11 36 [email protected]

  Dear mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and colleagues,   The holidays provide us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the eternal and boundless love that connects us. We wish you health, tranquility, and the joyous spirit of spring. Thank you for gracing our lives with your presence, adding beauty to our world, and above all, for your unwavering dedication to keeping us and our little ones healthy.

Symposia March 14: World Kidney Day.    The World Health Organization has announced this year's theme for the World Kidney Day: “Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice.” On this occasion, medical and public communities around the world host various events to raise awareness about kidney health.   The “Arabkir” Medical Center, the Armenian Pediatric Association, the Armenian Physicians’ Association of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, in collaboration with the International Society of Nephrology, are joining this initiative. We invite nephrologists, hemodialysis specialists, and all others interested to participate in the “World Kidney Day” symposia. The symposia will be held on March 14th at 15:30 in the conference hall of the medical center, located at Mamikonyants 30. The target audience includes adult and pediatric nephrologists, hemodialysis specialists, and transplantologists.     For any questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected].