VIDEO: I Defeated Myself. A Man from Kurtan Talks About His Illnesses

A 34-year-old man named Mekhak Arakelyan, residing in the village of Kurtan in the Lori Province, spoke to NEWS.am about his health problems. During a meeting with residents on March 7, the Prime Minister admonished him for approaching him instead of working and building a home, as he is a so-called 'healthy man.' However, Mekhak clarified that he suffers from health issues that have prevented him from working for several years.

"I am a sick boy. I have two hernias in my spine, my discs are worn out, and we have had to call 'Emergency Services' several times for pain relief. I have bronchitis, which has affected my lungs. I didn't even serve in the army; I was sent to a medical examination in Yerevan, and they told me I was unfit for service. In addition to my spine issues, I also had kidney problems. This came from heavy labor. I have been working since I was 11—lifting bags weighing 3000 to 4000 daily and doing agricultural work. I also did renovation work, and I went to Russia for a few years but was deceived every time. I worked hard to provide milk for my children by having a cow. If only I were healthy, I would go out, find work, and build a home. I wouldn't even want to go to Mr. Pashinyan and say, 'This is what I need.' But now I can't even lift a bucket. I do light chores around the house when possible," Mekhak told NEWS.am, expressing that even though he needs treatment, due to financial difficulties, he can only manage to obtain pain relief medication.

On March 7, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized Mekhak during a live session, urging him to work and create a home, emphasizing that the state did not have an obligation in his case. "If a healthy man comes in and says, 'Prime Minister, I don't have a house,' I didn't have a house either—how did I create one? I worked 24 hours a day and built my home. You need to take some initiative, work, generate income, and build your own home. Should the Prime Minister build your house? Moreover, we have set up a mortgage program for young families. How can someone like you come and expect a healthy man to solve your housing or bread issues? I don't mean to say I built palaces; I created a three-room apartment for myself in the third sector. Go work and solve your family's issues,' he said during the broadcast.

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