40 Civilian Medical Centers Engaged in Treatment of Wounded from War

The effectiveness and efficiency of the ground and air evacuation systems for wounded individuals, implemented by the Ministry of Health, have enabled the saving of thousands of lives, reducing the mortality rate of the wounded to 1.65% (with over 80% of the total wounded evacuated). This was reported by the Ministry of Health of Armenia, summarizing the efforts made during the state of emergency.

The Ministry states that daily collection and compilation of information from medical assistance organizations operating in the regions and in Yerevan has been conducted to assess the number of servicemen and civilians injured as a result of combat operations, as well as regarding the occupancy of hospital beds.

A total of 40 civilian medical centers have been involved in the treatment of those injured due to the war. Medical assistance was provided to thousands of soldiers who sustained injuries during the war, with the Ministry of Health reporting that 76% of the total wounded received care from healthcare providers under its jurisdiction. Around 3,000 healthcare workers have been involved in providing medical assistance and care for those affected by the war.

Thanks to the effective and timely operation of the ground and air evacuation systems for the wounded, it has become possible to save thousands of lives by reducing the mortality rate of the wounded to 1.65%. Continuous blood supply for servicemen and civilians wounded during combat operations has been ensured by the Prof. R. O. Yolian Blood Center and regional blood banks.

Free medical assistance and essential medications are offered to participants of combat operations, including those who volunteered. Medications are provided through the respective polyclinics, requiring volunteers to present documentation related to the conscription information of the reserve soldiers registered at their local polyclinic.

In health preservation processes and hospital organizations, medical assistance has been organized for temporarily relocated civilians from Artsakh to Armenia, including those in need of hemodialysis. Dental medical assistance has also been organized for citizens relocated from Artsakh.

During the treatment of individuals with burns from combat operations transferred to medical organizations, measures have been undertaken to ensure the safety of healthcare workers, particularly in protecting them from phosphorus poisons through training and the provision of necessary personal protective equipment.

Data regarding servicemen wounded during combat has been collected and compiled, particularly regarding injuries that may lead to disability. This information has been forwarded to the responsible authorities. Inventory and summary have also been carried out for organizations providing rehabilitative medical assistance and care.

Consequently, rehabilitation medical assistance for servicemen affected by military operations and non-conscripts participating in the war, as well as individuals who contributed to the defense of the Republic of Armenia, is being provided within the framework of the state order.

During the state of emergency, the data of citizens arriving from the Republic of Artsakh and located in temporary shelters has been updated, and advice has been provided to organizations offering shelter (hotels, dormitories) regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 among persons temporarily relocated from Artsakh, epidemiological investigations and laboratory tests for the virus have been conducted, alongside relevant anti-epidemic measures. Individuals testing positive for COVID-19, when unable to self-isolate at their temporary residence, have been relocated to specialized quarantine facilities.

All hospitals in Artsakh and the rear have been supplied with life-saving medical equipment, including anesthesia devices, artificial respiration oxygen devices, electric scalpels, surgical instruments, and X-ray machines. Specifically, around 2,000 medical devices and supplies across 80 types have been provided to institutions administering care to warriors.

The process of determining, receiving, and transporting medications and medical supplies received as humanitarian aid during the state of emergency has been organized. The Ministry also reminded that an additional pathway for forensic genetic identification research has been established, allowing for quicker organization of DNA tests for deceased soldiers. As of December 31, 427 bodies have been identified through forensic genetic testing.

The National Institute of Health, in collaboration with the Armenian Medical International Committee, has organized webinars on topics such as “Modern Military Trauma: From Classification to Treatment,” “Echoanatomy and Neuropathies of Peripheral Nerves,” “Best Practices in Managing Patients with Open Abdomens,” “Crisis Leadership and Mass Casualty Care,” and “The Role of the Aorta (REBOA) in Resuscitation in Military Traumatology,” with several hundred healthcare workers participating in each.