The purpose of my visit is to find out on the spot if there are any things to fill in or make corrections during the organizing. Armenia’s Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said in a briefing with journalists in Goris.
“From the very first second, a first aid service was organized both in Kornidzor and here. Our therapists, pediatricians will perform an initial consultation. Unfortunately, our forcibly displaced compatriots are also in a rather difficult health condition, having been under siege for 10 months, mostly malnourished, without medicine for chronic diseases. It is very important for us to provide them with primary care at the very first point. But after this point, we understand as a result of the assessment that there is a need for hospitalization, the ambulances take them already to hospital care. This morning I also visited the hospital in Goris, and after the initial examinations, if necessary, we will transfer them to the hospital in Yerevan," said Anahit Avanesyan.
She mentioned that medical workers are able to provide first aid, certain medicines, and painkillers to all those in need. “There are also diabetic patients here who need insulin. We have an insulin distribution point right here and we will provide it for the coming days if needed,” said the Minister.
Anahit Avanesyan considers it important that our compatriots apply to polyclinics or outpatient clinics at their first place of residence and continue to receive their medical services from there, both medication and outpatient services and, if suddenly needed, hospital services.
The number of people receiving treatment in the Republic's medical institutions is changing. “They are more than 60-70,” she said.
As for the children in the Goris medical center, the minister noted that there is a flow at the moment. “There are several dozen children who are examined, their condition is assessed, if hospitalization is needed, they are hospitalized, if not, outpatient treatment is prescribed, medication is given, and they continue their journey to the settlement. We also have several patients in serious condition, who will be transferred to more specialized centers in Yerevan. The team of Goris Medical Center works 24 hours a day,” said Anahit Avanesyan.
Speaking about our compatriots still in Nagorno-Karabakh, she said. “At the moment, the transportation of our compatriots who do not have a means of transportation or are from vulnerable groups - the elderly, the disabled - is being organized by buses, and we are carrying out their transportation today. Transfers are in progress. At this moment, there is no need for sanitary aviation.”
Regarding the victims of the explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Minister noted that in total, more than 140 patients were transferred to medical centers with only burns.
"The main critical course is still ongoing and we have patients in critical condition, doctors are fighting to save their lives. Together, we provide them with both medication and medical supplies for all possible medical care. We all wish for a speedy recovery. You know that burns will have a long recovery period. We will ensure that entire process with the help of plastic surgeons and other necessary specialists," she said.
"Unfortunately, there are such cases," said Avanesyan, referring to the deaths that occurred on the road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. “People were on the road for more than 40 hours, and during that time there were deaths from strokes, deaths of adults. Now you know that the journey to Kornidzor is quite short and does not take more than 10 hours. You know, forced displacement also has painful consequences, which we are witnessing today. “Exhausted, leaving behind all their possessions, basic necessities, and medicines, they hit the road and were stuck on the road for more than 40 hours, and such consequences are inevitable in this case,” the minister said.
“At the moment, our government is responsible for organizing all this, to welcome our forcibly displaced compatriots with open arms and care. You know, with its modest means, Armenia as a country, compared to other European countries, received, fed, provided medical care and accommodation to more than 80 thousand of our compatriots in a few days,” said Anahit Avanesyan, answering the question about the political responsibility of the ruling team.
