Ongoing project by ACMAO - www.acmao.ca
Women's Health Clinic, Stepanakert, Karabakh
The Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO) and the Ministry of Health of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) have a long history of successful cooperation. In 2003, the Ministry proposed to establish a Women's Health Clinic in Stepanakert, Karabakh. The proposal was reviewed and approved by ACMAO's Executive Board and a committee was formed for project's implementation.
Conveniently located in downtown Stepanakert and next to the Diagnostic Centre, the clinic occupies 150 m2 of renovated space, provided by the Ministry. Equipment, supplies and medications were purchased in Armenia or Canada or received as donations. A young and prospective gynaecologist was selected as the Clinic Director and sent for additional training to Yerevan. A psychologist, a nurse and housekeeping personnel were hired. Referral network was established through the Ministry. Continuous annual funding is provided through private donations of 10 couples living in Toronto, in lieu of birthday presents.
The clinic deals with women's health issues including infertility, menopause and STDs, and provides counseling to teenagers and families. Within the first 3 months after the official opening on October 9, 2004 in the presence of Karabakh's First Lady and the Minister of Health, the clinic has seen 1000 patients with various conditions from the entire territory of NKR. A 3 months waiting list has already accumulated. The success of the clinic proves the swiftness, economic efficiency and health care benefit, with which projects in primary health care in Armenia and Karabakh can be implemented.