Women’s Clinic In Stepanakert

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
13 Oct 04

On October 9 the women’s clinic was opened in Stepanakert sponsored
by the Armenian-Canadian Medical Association of Toronto. In this
connection a foundation was created the honorary chairman of which
is the first lady of the republic Ina Ghukassian. By the nature of
its activities the clinic has a special place in the medical system
of the country, as it will be specializing in the physical health of
women and girls. “Artsakh needs healthy generations and increasing
of the birthrate. And the guarantee for a healthy generation is the
healthy woman. This is the aim of creating the center. I think it
is time to have what we haven’t had so far. This is, particularly,
sex education of girls, which is a task of state importance. Not
only within the clinic but also outside it at schools seminars on sex
education will be held,” said Zoya Lazarian. The clinic will work on
a charity basis, the services will be free of charge. The sponsors of
the clinic are 10 Armenian families of Toronto. The director of the
program is Avetik Poghossian who, according to Zoya Lazarian, visited
Artsakh twice a month with great enthusiasm for the implementation
of the program. Owing to this program a new public organization was
established in Artsakh named “Dzerk Dzerki” (“Hand in Hand”) which
implements joint charity programs with the Armenian-Canadian Medical
Association. The chairman of this public organization is Zareh Uzunian
who was also present at the opening ceremony of the clinic. He was
among the individuals who have been in Artsakh since 1997 together
with their supporters, friends. Addressing the guests, the honorary
chairman of the clinic Ina Ghukassian said, “The idea of a women’s
clinic in our republic had appeared long ago. It is not a secret that
family is the cornerstone of any society, and the core of the family
is the healthy mother. The women and children of Artsakh underwent
stresses during the war, which inevitably affected their health. And
it is not accidental that it was the members of association of the
Armenian doctors of Canada who decided to assist to the development
obstetrical, gynaecological and psychological services in Artsakh.
And, of course, it is important that the medical services will be
free of charge. I am sure that the clinic will help girls and women
be more healthy, owing to which we will have healthy children. I
thank Avetik Poghossian and all the Armenian families owing to whom
the clinic was opened and will promote the relationships between
Artsakh and the Armenian Diaspora as well.” The clinic will provide
diagnosis and examination of sexually transmitted diseases, menopause
and sterility in cooperation with the center “Diagnostica”. Currently
the clinic has four workers: the chief physician, an obstetrician, a
psychologist and an orderly. The working day lasts from 9:00 to 16:00.

LAURA GRIGORIAN.
13-10-2004