The Situation in Artsakh is Critical: There Are Patients Whose Lives Are in Danger, Says Avanesyan

The situation is critical for patients in Artsakh who require specialized medical assistance. This was stated by the Minister of Health of Armenia, Anahit Avanesyan, during a press conference following a government meeting.

“As the days of this blockade continue, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between those who truly need urgent transfer and those who already have serious health issues and require medication and medical intervention,” said Avanesyan.

The minister reported that she is in contact with her colleagues in Artsakh and is informed that there are patients whose lives are in danger. “It’s hard to determine the exact number. If we have patients needing hemodialysis who require this service 2-3 times a week, and there is no transport, there is an acute need for medications and medical supplies, it means that if they do not receive this service, their lives could be at risk,” she added.

Avanesyan also noted that there is a serious shortage of infant formula in Nagorno-Karabakh, and most of the humanitarian cargo sent consists of these supplies. However, for the time being, their colleagues in Stepanakert are providing psychological support to mothers so that breastfeeding can address this issue as much as possible, reducing the need for formula.

The minister also informed that they are regularly updating international partners regarding the created situation. “We are transmitting factual data through all channels and setting demands before international organizations to resolve the situation as soon as possible within their mandates. In this case, the Red Cross has a mandate for transporting patients and humanitarian cargo in similar situations, but its operations have also been paralyzed,” said the minister.

It should be noted that on December 12, 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway, linking Artsakh to Armenia, under the pretext of environmental reasons, and departed on April 28, after Azerbaijan established a checkpoint on the Lachin road on April 23, taking full control of it. Artsakh has also been deprived of gas and electricity supplied from Armenia.

On July 26, 19 trucks loaded with 400 tons of essential goods set off from Yerevan to Artsakh, which has been under blockade for more than 225 days. The trucks reached the Kornidzor community in Syunik and have remained at the border of the Lachin corridor ever since.