120 Pregnant Women Hospitalized as Healthcare Capacity Reaches Limits, Says Ministry Spokesperson

There are 120 pregnant women hospitalized at the Republican Maternity Hospital and the "St. Gregory the Illuminator" Medical Center's obstetric-gynecological department. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Hripsime Khachatryan, in a conversation with 24News, addressing the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic in Armenia.

"The bed fund is exhausted, with available beds freed up (due to discharge or death) remaining available for a maximum of 15-20 minutes. There are patients waiting, who arrive at the hospital depending on the severity of their health condition. Priority is given to those in severe condition with low saturation needing oxygen," she noted.

According to the spokesperson, transferring patients from the inpatient department to the intensive care unit is also encountering challenges. "The bed fund is on the verge of exhaustion, despite the Ministry of Health continuously trying to increase the number of available beds. However, the issue is not solely about adding new beds; patients can also remain at home. It concerns the medical staff; these people are exhausted and fatigued. The epidemic situation in the country is extremely tense," she added.

Hripsime Khachatryan stated that as of 16:42, there are 120 pregnant women hospitalized at the Republican Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology (Republican Maternity Hospital) and the obstetric-gynecological department of the "St. Gregory the Illuminator" Medical Center, and this number only refers to those hospitalized. Regarding children, she said they are receiving treatment at the "Arabkir" Medical Center and the "Muratsan" hospital complex, but she did not have specific data on the number of children receiving treatment.

"We urge everyone to wear masks in both open and closed spaces. This is very important; a mask serves as an additional filter. Additionally, vaccination provides a fairly stable protective layer. With the combination of these two measures, we can reduce the numbers to some extent, allowing the healthcare system and doctors at least some breathing room," concluded the Ministry spokesperson.