EGYPT’S ARMENIAN COMMUNITY INVESTS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY
By Tamar Minasian

AZG Armenian Daily #151, 26/08/2005

Healthcare

A new department opened at Mari Nupar Ophthalmologic Clinic of the
Yerevan State Medical University yesterday. The first and second
stages of the clinic re-equipment project in 2004/05 years was carried
out thanks to the funds of national gymnasium of Egypt’s Armenian
community and individual donors in Egypt. One of the first healthcare
institutions of Armenia built in 1928-29 has been functioning as
ophthalmologic clinic ever since.

The clinic receives 5.000-7.000 patients, mostly children, each year.
“Disabled people suffering from ophthalmologic diseases form the second
large group after cardiologic ones in our country”, head of the clinic,
chief ophthalmologist of Armenia Armen Shakarian said. He noted that
90 percent of these diseases usually come about in early years, and
this makes it more important to find the symptoms of the illness soon
and to offer corresponding treatment. After the opening ceremony,
the guests and friends of the clinic walked through the operation
room and wards. “I am very satisfied and will continue my work. Why
should not I donate?”, Egyptian-Armenian Martin Kirakosian said.

Around $200.000 was invested for obtaining equipment and repair. Donors
point out enthusiastically that the number of benefactor rose from
3 to 36 in the second stage. The head of the clinic said that thanks
to the new equipment the quality and level of diagnose has improved.