Horrific Conditions at Avan Psychiatric Center

“I am shocked, outraged, and disappointed: For personal reasons, I was at the Avan Psychiatric Center, and what I saw in the designated treatment departments is beyond description.” This was stated by user Arman Sahakyan on his Facebook page, sounding the alarm about the conditions at the mental health center. Below is the full post:

“As a relative of a person with mental health issues, I am making my statement public and want to remind everyone that, in addition to the crucial strategy against smoking, urgent issues like these should be addressed. The inhumane conditions seen in the ruined photographs are a clear indication that in the new Armenia, human dignity is devalued right within the healthcare system. Now I understand those individuals with mental health problems who refuse to undergo inpatient treatment, as most of those receiving inpatient care have been placed there involuntarily.

There is disrespectful treatment of patients, disgraceful conditions that violate dignity—broken, moldy walls, dirty restrooms, a foul odor, poor quality, unhygienic food, and so on. Meanwhile, patients are offered to rent a so-called VIP room in the ‘sanatorium’ division, which costs 30,000 AMD per day. I was forced to transfer my relative to that so-called sanatorium division to continue treatment, as I don’t believe treatment in such disgraceful and dignity-degrading conditions can be effective.

I regret remembering the horrific scene that comes to my mind, which is our current reality where people receive inpatient treatment. I urge and demand immediate attention to this issue and to find a solution, as the mental health preservation institutes are one of the most crucial parts of the healthcare system. If necessary, I am ready for a meeting; I am prepared to personally contribute to the urgent improvement of the sector.”