Main
News
Reference to the publication in the press

Reference to the publication in the press

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.

Last news
Richard Babayan visits Arabkir Medical Center and the Edgar Housepian Epileptology Clinic
01 October
The Scientific Director of the Arabkir Medical Center, Professor Ara Babloyan, welcomed Dr. Richard Babayan, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), who arrived from the United States, along with Hambardzum Simonyan, Deputy Director of FAR’s Armenian branch and Health Programs Manager, and Arno Hovhannisyan, Healthcare Program Coordinator. Thanks to the longstanding cooperation between Arabkir Medical Center and FAR, numerous healthcare programs have been implemented over the decades. During the visit, the guests toured the medical center and visited the Edgar Housepian Epileptology Clinic, where over 4,150 patients receive continuous care and treatment. The clinic is among the regional leaders in advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment for both children and adults. It is named in honor of Professor Edgar Housepian, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon at Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital in New York. “Professor Housepian made an immense contribution not only to the United States but also to the healthcare system of Armenia,” noted Professor Ara Babloyan during the meeting. “His most active involvement began after the 1988 earthquake. As coordinator of FAR’s medical programs, he organized the training of nearly 100 Armenian doctors in the United States.”The introduction of a modern model of continuous professional development in Armenia became possible largely due to Professor Housepian’s legacy. Those present expressed deep appreciation for his life, work, and lasting contributions to Armenian healthcare.The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion, attended by participants of FAR’s Continuing Medical Education program from medical institutions across Armenia, along with Armine Hakobyan, President of the FAR Fellowship Alumni Association (FAR FAA), and Bella Grigoryan, a member of the Board. “The Fund for Armenian Relief is one of the exceptional organizations that, since 1988, has set clear goals for developing all sectors of public life in Armenia and continues to move confidently toward achieving them,” emphasized Professor Babloyan at the conclusion of the meeting. Both parties expressed confidence that their partnership will continue and expand in the years ahead.
Professor from the USA to Perform Surgeries at Arabkir Medical Center
26 September
The Urology service of Arabkir Medical Center has developed a special focus on the correction of urethral injuries and defects. This week, at the invitation of Arabkir Medical Center’s professional team, Dr. Hunter B. Wessels, a surgeon from the Department of Urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, USA, has arrived in Armenia. Surgeries will be performed with the participation of Dr. Wessels to correct complications resulting from urethral injuries. Within the framework of this cooperation, both children and adults with the mentioned condition will have the opportunity to undergo surgery, regardless of when or where their previous procedure was performed. Along with the specialists of Arabkir Medical Center, physicians who have previously treated these patients will also take part in the surgeries. LICENSE: C-MA-000455, issued on 26.05.2025.                                                                                                         Advertising Permit: N–MMA-00055, issued on 29.09.2025.
The Newly Appointed Ambassador of Switzerland visits Arabkir Medical Center
25 September
On September 25, the Scientific Director of the Arabkir Medical Center, Professor Ara Babloyan, welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Armenia, Andrea Barbara Baumann. The cooperation between Arabkir Medical Center and Switzerland has a decades-long history. During the 1988 earthquake, Swiss doctors Jean-Pierre Bernard and Ernest Leumann were among the first to arrive in the disaster zone, offering their professional expertise and skills in service to the Armenian people. Since then, collaboration has continued, resulting in more than 30 Armenian-Swiss programs. The 31st initiative is the creation of the Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center. The meeting was also attended by Swiss partners of the Arabkir Medical Center — Pierrette Chenevard, member of the Board of Trustees of the Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center, and Manuel Salazar, expert in the organization of rehabilitation services. Discussions focused on the further development of the Armenian-Swiss Center for Excellence in Nursing and Therapists. The center’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of nursing and therapy services in Armenia, supporting the professional growth and continuous development of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. During the meeting, both sides expressed their appreciation for the progress achieved so far and their hope that this strong cooperation will continue, bringing positive outcomes for years to come.
More Than 30 Years of Cooperation Continue
23 September
Recently, the Arabkir Medical Center hosted members of a delegation from Nice, France, reaffirming more than 30 years of ongoing cooperation. The meeting held significant meaning, as it contributed to the continuous development of specialists at the Arabkir Medical Center and to the improvement of medical service quality. It also strengthens support for the Francophonie program in Armenia. The cooperation program provides opportunities to establish close ties with Armenia and to take active steps toward the advancement and development of the country’s healthcare sector. During their visit, the delegation met with nearly fifty French-speaking employees of the Arabkir Medical Center. The discussions focused on potential new directions and future cooperation programs, aiming to further enhance the scope and impact of this long-standing partnership.
“I Have Never Stood or Walked”: Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Is Not Available in Armenia
17 September
Every year, 3–4 newborns in Armenia are diagnosed with the most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Although effective treatment exists worldwide, in Armenia it is neither available through state order nor officially registered. Twenty-four-year-old Anush Gevorgyan loves to paint, but for about two years she has been unable to do so — even holding a brush has become too difficult. Today, there are approximately 12–15 patients in Armenia diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, and Anush is one of them. She recalls that although she was an active child, she never stood or walked. When Anush was 1.5 years old, her mother noticed that her physical development differed from that of her peers. After extensive examinations, the diagnosis was confirmed: spinal muscular atrophy — a rare genetic disorder (Anush has two younger sisters and during each pregnancy, samples were sent to Moscow for genetic testing to ensure the children were healthy.) “Due to a protein deficiency, the body gradually loses mobility. At that time, there was no treatment available. There were few patients worldwide, and pharmaceutical companies were not interested in developing a solution,” explains Anush. In 2016, the first injectable medication for SMA was developed. Later, in 2020, an oral version also became available. Anush notes that just as people with diabetes must take insulin daily, individuals with SMA need to take medication regularly to help the body produce sufficient protein, at least halting disease progression or restoring some functions. Anush has never received treatment for her condition. Six months ago, as her health deteriorated, she was compelled to organize a fundraiser to cover the cost of therapy. The topic was also highlighted by Sputnik Armenia during a press conference on “Innovations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the Importance of Genetic Therapy.”
Arabkir Medical Center Joins MedMeet 2025
10 September
Arabkir Medical Center has joined the largest healthcare event of the year — MedMeet 2025. The event will bring together leading professionals and healthcare enthusiasts from September 19 to 21 at the Meridian Expo Center. The program is open to all visitors. Arabkir Medical Center will present the work of its Plastic Surgery Service at MedMeet 2025. Visitors to the pavilion will have the opportunity to receive free consultations from the center’s plastic surgeons. Dr. Karlen Nersisyan, plastic surgeon at Arabkir Medical Center, will also take part in MedMeet Talks, answering questions and sharing professional insights․