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Work Continues on the Implementation of the Organ and Tissue Transplant Program from Deceased Donors

Work Continues on the Implementation of the Organ and Tissue Transplant Program from Deceased Donors


At the invitation of the Arabkir Medical Center, doctors from Great Britain are visiting Armenia: Professor Nizam Mamode, a transplant surgeon, and Benjamin Ivory, an anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist, who also heads the UK’s national organ transplant education system.

A meeting was held at the Arabkir Medical Center between leading British and Armenian specialists to discuss the procedures for diagnosing brain death, training models, and organizational aspects of the program.

On November 4, the British specialists will meet with Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia. Two working groups have been established under the Ministry of Health to focus on brain death diagnosis and the transplantation of organs and tissues from deceased donors. UK experts will collaborate with Armenian specialists to support the development and implementation of this new system.

As part of the visit, additional discussions on organ transplantation are scheduled for November 6 at the Arabkir Medical Center.

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Նոյեմբերի 14-ը շաքարախտի դեմ պայքարի համաշխարհային օրն է
14 November
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When Work Becomes a Calling
13 November
Sergey Babloyan, urologist-surgeon at the Arabkir Medical Center, was a guest on the “Lav Bjishk” (“Good Doctor”) podcast, where he spoke about his decision to become a doctor, his first surgery, the influence of his father, Professor Ara Babloyan, kidney transplantation, and the balance between life and work.
November 12 — World Pneumonia Day
12 November
To raise public awareness about pneumonia, Gevorg Boyajyan, Head of the Pulmonology and Pediatrics Department of the Arabkir Medical Center, answers common questions asked by parents.Does pneumonia occur only in winter? No. Severe cases of pneumonia can also occur in summer — and in some cases, may even be more severe than those seen in winter.Do children with pneumonia always have a fever? One of the main signs of pneumonia is a high fever lasting three days or more. In 97% of cases, an elevated temperature is present. The belief that a temperature of 37.2°C is “a pneumonia temperature” is incorrect.Is treatment less effective when managed at home? According to international guidelines, many children can be safely and effectively treated for pneumonia at home, as long as they do not have any signs of severe illness.Does vaccination fully protect against pneumonia? Pneumococcal vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of developing pneumonia and also makes the disease milder if a child does become ill.Is pneumonia a contagious disease? The contagiousness of pneumonia is very low.To reduce the risk of the disease, Dr. Boyajyan emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, timely vaccination, and dressing children appropriately to avoid overheating. He also highlights the role of proper nutrition and strongly advises against smoking in the presence of a child. Cigarette smoke damages a child’s airways, making them more susceptible to infections.
Marine Grigoryan Awarded Certificate of Professional Excellence by the Open Medical Institute
10 November
On October 19–25, 2025, an international seminar on pediatric radiology was held in Salzburg, Austria — an event that takes place once every four years. Marine Grigoryan, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Service at Arabkir Medical Center, and radiologist Ani Sargsyan presented to the international medical community rare congenital pathologies encountered in their practice — cases so uncommon that they occur in only one person out of a million. The professional team of Arabkir Medical Center shared their analyses and experience in diagnosing and managing such rare conditions. During the seminar, Marine Grigoryan was awarded a Certificate of Professional Excellence by the Open Medical Institute. “This is the result of teamwork,” noted Marine Grigoryan. “The support and encouragement of the team play a major role in the professional growth and development of each individual. This success once again proves that we should never stop at what we’ve achieved — we must continue learning, improving, and seizing every opportunity to gain new knowledge in service of children’s health.” The achievements recognized on international platforms demonstrate that pediatric medicine in Armenia continues to develop in line with global scientific standards.
International Day of Radiology
08 November
130 years ago, on this very day — November 8 — a German scientist discovered X-rays. In 2012, several international organizations declared November 8 as International Day of Radiology to honor this groundbreaking discovery. This day is another opportunity to express our gratitude to all radiology specialists who, with their knowledge, responsibility, experience, and dedication, make accurate diagnoses and contribute to saving lives every single day. We warmly congratulate all radiologists on their professional holiday and wish them continued scientific and professional success!
Life Goes On…
29 October
Narine is a heroic child, who, thanks to the state program of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, the fundraising efforts of the Health Fund for Children of Armenia, and the dedication of a remarkable medical team, has overcome serious health challenges and is now smiling wholeheartedly, step by step returning to normal life. At just eight years old, Narine was diagnosed with a malignant liver tumor (hepatoblastoma) affecting both the right and left lobes of her liver. The large tumor involved the right and partially the left lobes of the liver. While receiving preoperative chemotherapy, on July 6, 2025, Narine developed severe pneumonia and myocarditis and was transferred to the Arabkir Medical Center, where she was treated for 15 days in the Resuscitation and Intensive Care Unit. To determine the next steps in her treatment, the professional team of the Arabkir Medical Center conducted comprehensive examinations. The findings were discussed with Belarusian transplant surgeons and leading Japanese specialists. Following these consultations, it was decided that an urgent liver transplant would be necessary to save the child’s life. Narine’s father volunteered to be the donor. At the same time, specialists considered the possibility of performing an extended liver resection, a technically challenging operation since the tumor had invaded the right lobe and several segments of the left. Though difficult, this option was preferable because it would allow Narine to keep part of her own liver. The medical team at the Arabkir Medical Center, together with colleagues from Minsk, Belarus, prepared for both scenarios simultaneously — either a transplant or an extended resection.On September 28, 2025, surgery was performed. The team successfully carried out an extended hemihepatectomy, preserving about 30% of Narine’s own liver, while her father waited in an adjacent operating room, ready to proceed with a transplant if necessary. The tumor was completely removed, and Narine was able to retain her own liver.According to international colleagues, performing such an operation is far more complex than a standard transplant. Although the surgery was successful, Narine developed acute liver failure in the early postoperative period due to the small size of the remaining organ and tissue swelling. The doctors at Arabkir Medical Center faced serious challenges but skillfully organized intensive therapy that replaced liver function and brought the young patient safely out of danger. Today, with a bright smile and unshakable faith, Narine believes she will soon return home and fulfill her cherished dreams. Her story is yet another testament to the dedication and heroism of the Arabkir Medical Center’s professional team. During her stay at the hospital, Narine even drew a touching picture of the Arabkir Medical Center and the airplane that brought the Belarusian specialists who helped save her life.