Armenian health minister meets US envoy

Minister of Healthcare Derenik Dumanyan received on Wednesday the United States ambassador to Armenia, and senior representatives of the US Agency for International Development.
Greeting the guests – Ambassador John Heffern, USAID Armenia Mission Director Dr. Jatinder Cheema and Chief Executive Steven Bragger -, the minister extended his gratitude to the US Government and people for assistance to, and long-term collaboration with, Armenia's healthcare sector.
The Ministry of Healthcare has closely partnered with the Fund for Armenian Relief, the Armenian Eyecare Project (a charity organization founded in1992 by US-Armenian ophthalmologist Roger Ohanesian), the United Armenian Fund (UAF), the US-Armenian Health Center and other organizations.
According to a press release by the Ministry, Dumanyan briefed the guests on an August 10, 2010 agreement on enhancing the healthcare and social services. The document, signed between the Armenian Government and the Agency, promotes the implementation of continued reforms in the primary healthcare sector, and collaboration in the anti-tuberculosis, mother-and child health protection and emergency healthcare services.
The minister promised to implement all the initiatives and objectives set out in the agreement.
He then dwelled on joint programs, focusing particularly on the ambulance service's enhancement plan (implemented in collaboration with USAID and the Embassy).
In the meantime, he appreciated the Diaspora's assistance in the maintenance of Armenia's healthcare sector.
Assessing the potentials of the Armenian Eyecare Project, the ambassador called for joint efforts to expand the services and establish an ophthalmological excellence center, which would become a unique institution in the region.
The USAID mission chief hailed the approaches, expressing willingness to assist in oncology modernization programs.   Read more... (269 words)

Armenian News