What Makes Me 'Unfit' and Why Was I Fired? Former Employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

Former employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sergey Chaturov, has addressed MAMUL.am to complain about his illegal dismissal from work. According to him, the personnel purge in the system has been ongoing for a long time, starting from the moment Andranik Piloyan was appointed as the director of the Ministry.

Presenting his issue, the former firefighter-rescuer recounts that after undergoing a medical examination at Nairi Medical Center, he unexpectedly learned that he has a herniated disc. Although the condition did not cause him any discomfort, he decided to undergo surgery at another medical facility.

“After my vacation, I was supposed to return to service, and unexpectedly, a military medical examination was scheduled on the grounds that I have radiculopathy (herniated disc). It was during this period that things started heating up,” says Chaturov.

He claims that the diseases mentioned in the conclusion are those that have already been treated and do not correspond to his current health status. “The basis for my dismissal was the medical report presented by the head of the commission, Karen Atoyani. The reason why the commission made such a ridiculous conclusion is obvious: the head of service wanted to get rid of me by any means. After such a strange diagnosis, I turned to several medical organizations to confirm if I had any health issues at all and, in general, about my physical condition, and the responses clearly indicated that I do not suffer from the disease mentioned in the commission's conclusion,” he explains.

“Also, based on the final conclusion from the neurologist at Erebuni Medical Center dated September 6, 2021, regarding the surgery of the lumbosacral region, there was no acute neurological pathology at the time of diagnosis. Thus, the military medical commission, along with its chairman, made a mistake when issuing a certificate to the director regarding my health; radiculopathy is absent in me, as confirmed by the MRI results. I also do not have any neurological or health issues, as I have received appropriate inpatient and outpatient treatment,” the interviewee stated.

Sergey Chaturov worked in the Ministry of Emergency Situations for about 12 years. Since August 31, he has been unemployed and still cannot understand why he is considered 'unfit' and why his dismissal was signed when there are no valid reasons for it. “My complaint is against the illegal order,” said Chaturov, adding that he will do everything to restore justice.

“I have filed a higher-level complaint with the minister, attaching all medical examinations, and I have also written a humanitarian report. So far, there has been no response... I am ready to undergo a medical commission, but not at the polyclinic of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as the mentioned individuals are guided by directives from the higher-ups,” he insisted.

Chaturov hopes that the documents will be reviewed and that he will be reinstated in his former position; if not, he plans to take legal action. Notably, Sergei Chaturov has also received awards and commendations for his diligent service.