The storage and use of medicines in mental health centers in Armenia is a concern, Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan said at a press conference on Saturday, speaking about the state of mental health centers in the republic.

“Expired drugs were found in the centers of Sevan and Vardenis, their expiration date was 4 months ago, the same thing happened in the Lori regional psycho-neurological dispensary. Facts were also recorded when medical supplies, instruments, even for a period of two years, were overdue for quite a long time,” Tatoyan said.

According to him, most centers use mixed drugs without clarifying their compatibility. In addition, therapy sessions with psychiatrists are not conducted properly.

The Ombudsman welcomed the opening of a juvenile department at the Avan Mental Health Center, which can treat 12 people.

“It is a matter of concern that there are no such centers for minors living in the regions and having problems. And the children are forced to be transported to Yerevan, but even here the relatives face serious difficulties,” he concluded.