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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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․

Organ transplantation is one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, enabling people to return to a full and healthy life. While some organ and tissue transplantation procedures are already performed in Armenia, cadaveric donation is not yet practiced. According to the World Health Organization, over 100,000 transplants are performed worldwide each year, a significant portion of which involve cadaveric donors. “We have all the resources for cadaveric donation. All that is needed is the will,” says Ara Babloyan. Watch the full details in the video.

Avoidant eating disorder can develop due to various factors and is most commonly observed in young and school-aged children. The condition often arises when a child begins to avoid certain foods. “Parents should set an example for their children through their own eating habits,” notes Mary Marandyan, pediatrician at Arabkir Medical Center. Watch the full report for more details.

A new draft law has been submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, proposing criminal liability for obstructing the professional duties of medical workers. In an interview with Public Television, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Ara Babloyan emphasized that individuals who interfere with the work of healthcare professionals must be held accountable. The goal of the proposed amendment is to protect medical workers from harassment and ensure a safe and respectful environment for their essential work. More details are available in the full report.

A burning sensation, feeling of grittiness in the eyes, sensitivity to light, tearing, temporary blurred vision, and a sense of heaviness in the eyelids — these symptoms may indicate dry eye syndrome. What is it, and what should be done in such cases? Lilit Mnatsakanyan, ophthalmologist at the Arabkir Medical Center, spoke about the condition as part of the BujInfo program of Shant TV.

Pediatrician Lia Andreasyan from the Arabkir Medical Center spoke about childhood earaches and otitis media in an interview with BujInfo on Shant TV. Dear parents, listen in, stay informed, and make sure to consult your pediatrician in time—who will refer you to a specialist if needed.

Heart rhythm disorders can occur not only in adults but also in children and adolescents. Why do they happen? What are the symptoms? What risks are associated with a fast or slow heartbeat? How can parents recognize a heart rhythm disorder, and what steps should they take? Pediatric cardiologist Emma Sargsyan from the Arabkir Medical Center answered these important questions on Shant TV’s BujInfo program.  

Why do children get a fever, and what should parents do when it happens? Pediatrician Marine Arustamyan from the Arabkir Medical Complex shared her advice in an interview with Shant TV’s BujInfo program.

Tonsillitis in children is a topic that concerns many parents—after all, nearly every child experiences what we commonly call a sore throat at least once.   Dr. Lia Andreasyan, pediatrician at the Arabkir Medical Complex, spoke about this issue in an interview with "BujInfo", a program on Shant TV, answering key questions.

Tanya Aramyan, one of the young nephrologists at Arabkir Medical Complex, recently answered questions on the topic of kidney health during an interview with Shant TV’s program “BujInfo.”

🗓️ June 25 marks World Vitiligo Awareness Day. ❓ What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which pigment-producing cells—melanocytes—are mistakenly attacked by the immune system. This results in white patches appearing on various parts of the body. Hair in these areas may also turn white. ❓ What causes vitiligo? Several factors may contribute, including: ▫️ Genetic predisposition ▫️ Stress ▫️ Sunburn ▫️ Certain infections ❗ Prevention tips: Protect your skin from UV rays by: Wearing hats and protective clothing Using sunscreen regularly ❓ How is it treated? Topical treatments or systemic therapy in severe cases UVB phototherapy and excimer laser therapy have proven effective 👩🏻‍⚕️ At Arabkir Medical Complex, our dermatology team also uses excimer laser as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. ‼️ Vitiligo is a natural skin difference. Living with it is not a flaw or something to hide. Everyone deserves to feel seen, accepted, and beautiful—just as they are.

📺 On the occasion of Medical Workers’ Day, Public Television featured a story about our beloved Dr. Biayna Sukhudyan and the  Neurology and Epilepsy Service she leads. 👩🏻‍⚕️ Thanks to her dedication and expertise, this service has brought neurology in Armenia to a new level of development—and continues to advance, keeping pace with global standards.

🩺📺 On the occasion of Medical Workers’ Day, Mir TV prepared a special video about one of our beloved doctors, Dr. Poghos Geikyan.   👨🏻‍⚕️🎻 A kind and skilled surgeon—and a talented violinist—Dr. Geikyan is the Head of the Uro-Surgical Department at Arabkir Medical Complex, a member of the organ transplant team, and someone who is deeply appreciated by many children and their families.

An official ceremony titled “Thank You, Doctor” was recently held in Gyumri, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and the Union of Medical Institutions of Armenia NGO.   During the event, outstanding medical professionals from across the country were recognized for their dedication and service. Among them were two exceptional specialists from Arabkir Medical Complex: 🔹Dr. Lilit Vardanyan, pediatrician, head of the Reception and Emergency Department, 🔹Dr. Irina Tovmasyan, developmental pediatrician, head of the Developmental Pediatrics Service.   We warmly congratulate our esteemed colleagues on this well-deserved recognition and wish them continued success in their important and impactful work.

June 21st is Medical Workers’ Day.   Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to those who, through their dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts, save lives and improve the health of thousands every day. We warmly congratulate all healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, ambulance teams, and every member of the medical community—for your invaluable service. We wish you good health, happiness, and continued success in your noble work.   This day belongs to you. Our deepest respect and appreciation go out to each and every one of you.

June 13 marks International Albinism Awareness Day.    Albinism is a rare hereditary condition in which the body’s production of melanin—the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes—is reduced or completely absent. As a result, individuals with albinism typically have very pale or white skin, light-colored or reddish hair, and light eyes. These characteristics are usually noticeable at birth.   The absence of melanin can lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight, a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer, and can also significantly affect vision. That’s why people with albinism are advised to use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and use special glasses to protect their eyes.   People with albinism also often face stigma and discrimination simply because they look different. One of the key messages of International Albinism Awareness Day is the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of their health condition or appearance.

Dr. Marine Arakelyan, one of our young pediatricians, recently appeared on “BujInfo” by Shant TV to answer important questions about growth disorders and short stature in children.

Professor Christian Braegger recently visited Arabkir Medical Center as part of his ongoing collaboration with the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Services. With many years of experience as the Head of the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Service at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich, Professor Braegger held consultative discussions on complex clinical cases with colleagues from Arabkir, as well as with specialists from other medical institutions.   Under his direct supervision, several endoscopic procedures were performed, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy with multi-stage biopsies. Additionally, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placements were carried out in children with neurological disorders who face significant challenges with swallowing and nutrition. During his visit, Professor Braegger also met with Professor Ara Babloyan, Scientific Director of Arabkir Medical Center, to discuss new ideas for future collaboration.   #arabkirmc #gastroenterology #գաստրոէնտերոլոգիա #endoscopy

Caries, or tooth decay, is damage to the enamel caused by bacteria and sugary foods. It often starts silently — as tiny, invisible spots — but can quickly turn into black dots and eventually deep cavities. These cavities form a dangerous path to the nerve and root of the tooth, sometimes leading to severe pain or even tooth loss.   Dear parents, please pay special attention to your children's dental health by encouraging a healthy, balanced diet, helping them learn proper and timely brushing habits, and ensuring they visit the dentist regularly. Prevention is always easier and more effective than treatment.   #CariesAwareness #caries #ArabkirMC

Arabkir Medical Center was once again honored to welcome Professor Traudel Saurenmann, our long-time partner in pediatric rheumatology.   With extensive clinical experience in leading hospitals in Zurich and Winterthur, Switzerland, Professor Saurenmann has been collaborating with the Rheumatology Service at Arabkir for the past 17 years, working closely with Dr. Gayane Khloyan, Head of the Service.   During this visit, as in previous ones, the professor consulted on approximately 40 complex pediatric rheumatology cases. She also delivered a lecture focused on focal and systemic scleroderma, enriching both clinical practice and medical education at the center.   Arabkir deeply values this long-standing partnership, which continues to enhance the quality of care for children with rheumatic conditions. #ԱրաբկիրԲՀ #arabkirmc #ռևմատոլոգիա #rheumatology

Today we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ashot Varos Gyulbudaghyan, the esteemed head of one of the cornerstone departments of the Arabkir Medical Center—the Intensive Care and Resuscitation Department.   For decades, Dr. Gyulbudaghyan’s dedicated and tireless work has saved the lives of thousands of children. He is a true professional—one whose compassion and empathy have not only healed young patients but also brought comfort and peace to even the most distressed parents.   Congratulations, dear Ashot Varos! Your contribution is invaluable and immeasurable—not only to Arabkir Medical Center, but to the entire healthcare system of Armenia. We wish you and your loved ones good health, boundless love, and a life filled with light and warmth.    While the work in intensive care is urgent and demanding, capturing it on camera is a slow and careful process. That’s why we invite you to watch a previously aired feature by the  Public TV Company, highlighting a serious case of severe pesticide poisoning in a child.  Watch and listen once again to the words of the distinguished Dr. Ashot Gyulbudaghyan. Dear parents, please remain vigilant when it comes to your children’s health.  

Dear children, the dearest treasures of our hearts and lives,    We warmly congratulate you on one of the brightest and most joyful holidays — June 1st, International Children’s Day. This day was first celebrated 75 years ago, in 1950, when many of your grandparents were children. Years from now, you will celebrate this day with your own children and grandchildren, knowing that June 1st is, above all, about rights—your right to live in peace, to grow up healthy and safe, to be educated, to be included, to create, and to live a life full of love and warmth.   Today, we carry the responsibility to protect these rights. Tomorrow, you—as the adults of the future—will continue that mission. At Arabkir Medical Center, we are proud to be advocates, protectors, and providers of your right to healthcare. Our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, midwives, and other specialists—together with colleagues from Armenia and around the world—work tirelessly for your health, development, recovery, inclusion, and the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.   Enjoy life in all its colors, dear children. Be healthy and happy in the warmth of your families and friendships. Dream big, turn your dreams into goals, and pursue them with courage and joy.   Wishing you good health, a peaceful sky, and a carefree childhood.   #arabkirmc #ArabkirMC #June1

An alarm sounded, prompting staff and patients to promptly proceed to the designated shelter area — part of a planned emergency preparedness exercise at the Arabkir Medical Center.   The goal of the drill was to raise awareness and strengthen practical skills in responding to emergency situations and civil defense scenarios. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of senior instructors from the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with a senior specialist from the mobilization department of the Arabkir administrative district. Their professional evaluation and practical recommendations will play a key role in ensuring that the medical center is well-prepared to take appropriate and effective action in the event of an actual emergency.

Dr. Albert Lalazaryan, pediatric surgeon at the Arabkir Medical Center, recently spoke with Shant TV’s Bujinfo program to address common questions about children’s bedwetting.   We encourage all parents to stay informed and attentive to every aspect of their child’s health.  

Learn more about viral skin infections—specifically molluscum contagiosum and warts. This time, Tatevik Harutyunyan, a dermatologist at Arabkir Medical Center, is featured on the “Advice from a Specialist” segment of the Buzhinfo program on Shant TV. Hello, I am Dr. Tatevik Harutyunyan, a pediatric dermatologist working at the “Arabkir” Medical Center in the Dermatology department. Today, I want to talk about viral skin infections that occur in children. We can divide these infections into two large groups. The first group includes those commonly called childhood infectious exanthemas, such as chickenpox, measles, and parvovirus infection, which is currently very common. The second group consists of infections that affect only the skin, with molluscum contagiosum and warts being the most common in childhood. Almost all pediatric dermatologists encounter these issues daily, and it can often be challenging to explain treatment instructions to parents.   Let’s start with molluscum contagiosum. This condition appears as small pink or whitish nodules located on various areas of the skin, mainly in exposed areas. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that spreads through contact. Transmission often occurs in group settings, such as kindergartens, swimming pools, or other collectives. The infection can also spread through autoinoculation, since the contents of the nodules are contagious. A child may scratch or tear the nodules, spreading the virus to surrounding skin. Additionally, hygiene items such as towels and combs can also serve as sources of infection.   Regarding treatment, international guidelines often suggest that molluscum contagiosum does not require active treatment and can resolve on its own. However, the challenge lies in the duration: unlike other infections that resolve within days, molluscum may take from six months to two years to clear. This is problematic because children often attend group activities during this time and can spread the infection to others. The nodules can also become inflamed and itchy, especially in children with dry or atopic skin who are more susceptible to this virus. For these reasons, treatment is sometimes necessary.   The most common treatment is mechanical removal, which is performed under local anesthesia using a needle. Another option is topical medication, but this can be inconvenient for parents as it requires regular application at home and close monitoring. Other treatments like liquid nitrogen, electrocoagulation, and laser therapy are less commonly used in children because they may cause discomfort and leave scars.  Now, let’s talk about warts. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear in various forms. Based on their appearance, we classify them as plantar warts, common warts, mosaic warts, filiform warts. Despite their different looks, all warts are viral growths. The infection spreads through close contact, autoinoculation, and sharing personal hygiene items. Similar to molluscum contagiosum, dermatologists usually diagnose warts based on clinical examination alone. Sometimes, to distinguish warts from other skin growths, a dermatologist may use a device called a dermatoscope, which helps identify the wart clearly.   The gold standard treatment for warts is cryosurgery, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. This causes controlled tissue destruction, leading to blister formation and eventual wart disappearance. For both warts and molluscum, international guidelines do not recommend immunostimulant treatments such as suppositories or tablets, which are often prescribed but lack evidence. Since these growths are external and exophytic, removal by destructive methods is the recommended approach.  Individual susceptibility plays an important role, as some children in groups may frequently develop warts while others never do. Prevention focuses on good hand hygiene and not sharing personal hygiene items—even among family members if someone has warts. Additional risk factors include nail-biting, self-injury, and attempts at self-treatment using unproven methods.  For these reasons, I strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist if your child has warts or similar skin issues. A correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan will ensure the best care.  

Attention! As part of Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Month, on May 27, the dermatology team at Arabkir Medical Center will be offering free consultations and dermatoscopic examinations.   ‼️ Melanoma is the most aggressive and rapidly spreading form of skin cancer. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. If you have: 🔹 Numerous moles 🔹 Newly appeared pigmented spots 🔹 Changes in the shape, size, or color of existing moles …it is important to get screened, regardless of your age.   Event Details: 📅 Date: May 27, 2025 📍 Location: Arabkir Medical Center, 2nd floor 🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📞 Contact: 015 400 300, ext. 1039

May 20 marks the professional holiday of traumatologists and orthopedists.   We warmly congratulate the dedicated doctors of our Pediatric Orthopedic Service, their team, and colleagues across the field. We wish you continued health, strength, and professional success. On this occasion, tune in to Narine Manukyan’s "Medtime" podcast featuring Dr. Vahe Yavryan, Head of the Pediatric Orthopedic Service.