Press Release
Armenia Fund USA
152 Madison Ave, #803
New York, NY 10016
Contact: Lisa Markarian
Tel: 212-689-5307
Fax: 212-689-5317
E-mail: Lisa@armeniafundusa.org
Web: <; Armenia Fund USA Puts the Future Back into the Hands of the People of Karabakh Armenia Fund USA is redefining the very idea of sustainability by taking training to a new level with the staff and physicians of the new Armine Pagoumian Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center in Karabakh's capital of Stepanakert. Under the leadership of public health expert Dr. Alina Dorian, the Polyclinic project has blossomed into a comprehensive health care program that involves everything from intensive training for administration and health care professionals to state of the art equipment with technicians and Armenian language manuals. "Developing a quality health system is a long-term process requiring fundamental changes in the culture of quality," says Dr. Alina Dorian. "The scope of quality includes not only the achievement of best outcome but also equity, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, appropriateness, availability, access, acceptability, and user choice. The main challenge is to bring together the key stakeholders; this project brings together health care providers, health authorities, and the community to apply evidence-based thinking at the level of everyday practice." On board for the development and implementation of the training modules is an impressive list of collaborators including: UCLA's Center for International Emergency Medicine, Yerevan's Academy of Medicine, the American University of Armenia's Center for Health Services Research and Development, Johns Hopkins University's Center for International Emergency Disaster and Refugee Studies, MediTech Company, and members from Karabakh's local community for whom the Polyclinic is the only viable channel for medical care. Comprehensive training and the power of new medical knowledge and treatment modalities constitute the most direct route to ensuring the sustainability for both the Center and the state of healthcare in the Republic. Health care professionals in Karabakh have not undergone retraining since 1988. Since independence, the system has been severely plagued with a lack of funding and shortages of basic supplies, reagents, and modern equipment for diagnosis, treatment, and sterilization. Health education and counseling training are non-existent in the current health institute curricula. Once buildings are complete and equipment is delivered, it is the administrators, health professionals, and support staff that must manage and promote new standards for healthcare in Karabakh. The Center's training program involves four Modules that cover the spectrum in care and management. Designated modules will utilize multimedia CD-ROMS created exclusively for the health care needs of Karabakh, a first for the region. The educational program will also aim to improve the history and physical examination skills of care providers. The multimedia medical education program is efficient, portable, reality-based, and cost-effective. Large volumes of medical information, radiographic images, and patient-care scenarios are compiled into a resource that is both portable and easily duplicated. In order to provide comprehensive training support, five personal computers will be provided to the Polyclinic for ongoing educational purposes. "We are not just producing a building; buildings don't save lives. We are focusing on the physicians, the nurses, and the very people themselves. We are giving Karabakh an opportunity to be their own primary care givers and takers; we are empowering them with the ability to heal themselves, and that is far more powerful than the most impressive of building exteriors." Close to $300,000 worth of X-ray, ECG, EEG, and MRI equipment is being acquired from Meditech, a medical equipment and technology company based in Yerevan. The equipment will come ready with Armenian language operating manuals and will be staffed by engineers specially trained to maintain and repair the equipment. Furnishings ranging from beds and curtains to conference rooms are also incorporated in the facility plan. The Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center has many visionary philanthropists behind its success. Hirair and Anna Hovnanian made a generous contribution of $400,000 towards a journey of healing for the Republic of Karabakh. Fundraising efforts for the new medical complex were recently closed with a generous donation of $125,000 in addition to an existing commitment of $750,000 from philanthropist George Pagoumian. Thanks to the conscience of generous benefactors, the leadership of dedicated visionaries, and the involvement of leading health advocators, Karabakh stands the chance at providing its people with competent healthcare. Karabakh cannot be a viable and strong nation unless it is first a healthy one. Those who want to support Armenia Fund USA projects can send in a 100% tax deductible contribution to Armenia Fund USA, Inc., 152 Madison Avenue, Suite 803, New York, NY 10016. Or, visit us on the web at <; to make your contribution online and learn more about our mission and projects. Armenia Fund USA us a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated exclusively to supporting large scale, self-sustaining, humanitarian initiatives in Armenia and Karabakh, as defined and determined by the rules and regulations in the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are 100% tax deductible.