For Immediate Release ~ July 15, 2011

Yerevan, Armenia – Thanks to a U.S. $1 million grant bequeathed by British-Armenian benefactor Garabed Nazarian, the Armenia Fund is carrying out a complete renovation of the Kapan Medical Center’s Pediatric Department, located in Armenia’s Syunik Region.

Within the framework of the project, the two-story, 1960s-built Pediatric Department has been thoroughly redesigned and undergone major repairs and a general structural reinforcement. In addition to the replacement of inter-story wood panels with concrete sections, a new roof was built, the water and sewer systems have been upgraded, and new heating and air-conditioning systems were installed. Furthermore, restrooms have been built next to all patient rooms. Currently a new boiler room, capable of serving the entire hospital, is being built while crews continue to renovate the interior and exterior of the Pediatric Department and update the landscaping.

Featuring rehabilitation and intensive-therapy units, the Pediatric Department provides care to children with somatic illnesses. The renovation of the facility will also enable it to include a newborn-resuscitation unit. Today the department employs a medical staff of 15 and treats between 400 and 500 children annually. According to Dr. Smbat Orbelyan, chief physician at the Pediatric Department, the facility will be able to considerably expand its range of newborn care if it receives support for hiring a resuscitation specialist. Dr. Orbelyan added that children from neighboring Kajaran and Meghri likewise receive medical care at the Pediatric Department.

“For the past several years, Armenia Fund’s British affiliate has used the contributions of the local community mainly toward the development of Armenia’s healthcare sector,” says affiliate chair Armine Karapeti. “Indeed, our donors share a fundamental belief that the vitality of our nation depends first and foremost on the health of each individual.”

Once the renovation of the Pediatric Department is completed, Armenia Fund will provide the facility with furniture, medical equipment, and an ambulance.