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 parents, You often ask us about various diseases, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and treatment options and prevention methods. Among the topics that come up frequently is Familial Mediterranean Fever, which is very common among us.  Professor Gayane Amaryan has stepped up to answer the questions on the “Novosti Armenia” website. Get the lowdown on this condition and find the answers to your questions. 

  Dear compatriots, We are delighted to announce that our professional team at the "Arabkir" medical center has expanded with the addition of the following colleagues:   Ernest Lalayan, Pediatrician,  Ruben Khachatryan, Radiologist Armen Abrahamyan, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Liana Grigoryan, Speech Therapist   If you require our services, please feel free to register in advance:   for pediatric consultations, please call 015 400 300 and select extension 21 27,  to schedule ultrasonography appointment, please call 010 23 20 20, for GI consultations and endoscopic examinations, please call 015 400 300 and select extension 12 16, for speech therapy sessions, please call 010 26 47 62.

The visits of our Swiss colleagues to various services and departments of "Arabkir" MC continue. Last week, Professor Christian Braegger, a renowned gastroenterologist, nutritionist, who previously headed the Gastroenterology and Nutrition service at the University Children's Hospital of Zurich, was the honored guest of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy services.  During his visit, the professor conducted a workshop focused on endoscopic examinations of children, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as well as modern approaches to interpretation. Gastroenterologist-endoscopist Ani Hovnanyan performed 22 examinations during those days in the direct presence of the professor, benefitting from his advice and guidance throughout the procedures. Sona Martirosyan, was responsible for the anesthesia for the research. The gastroenterology service team, in collaboration with the general pediatric department, handled patient selection and preparatory work for these examinations.

  Professor Oleg Rummo and his team from the Minsk Scientific and Practical Center of Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology, paid another visit to the “Arabkir” Medical Complex. The primary focus of our 4-year cooperation is children’s liver transplantation. Besides discussing the details of new surgeries, the team also met with previously operated patients and their parents, evaluating the children’s condition.    The patient operated on during this visit was 14-year-old Rafael Khachinyan. The boy was diagnosed with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and transplantation was indicated. The operation went successful, and Rafael is now in the post-operative recovery phase. His family is from the Tsaghkavan village in Tavush region. The total cost of operation was 19 million AMD, of which 5 million AMD was provided by the government, and the remaining 14 million was raised through the fundraising organized by the “Heath Fund for Children of Armenia”.    We are grateful for our patients, including Rafael, and all kind people who have contributed to this cause. Your donations have helped our children, their families and doctors in their difficult journey. Your support is truly invaluable.