The official opening of three fully renovated and furnished ambulatories took place in the settlements of Ayntap, Ranchpar, and Taperakan in the Ararat region.
The initiative was implemented within the framework of the UNDP “Project for Supporting Basic Infrastructure and Social Integration for Displaced Persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and Host Communities” project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, in close cooperation with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.
The opening ceremonies were attended by H.E. Mr. AOKI Yutaka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia; Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia; Mr. Artak Jumayan, Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia; Mr. Sedrak Tevonyan, Governor of Ararat region; Mr. Ashot Giloyan, Head of the Local Self-Government Policy Department of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure; and the heads of Masis and Vedi communities, Davit Hambardzumyan and Garik Sargsyan.
The project aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure in communities hosting refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. The newly opened, fully renovated and equipped ambulatories are also fitted with solar energy systems and are fully accessible for persons with disabilities—ensuring a safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient healthcare environment.
In his remarks, Ambassador AOKI Yutaka emphasized: “Our collaborative initiative aims to strengthen the well-being of residents of Ayntap, Ranchpar and Taperakan communities in Ararat region by improving access to essential services. As part of this effort, we hope the newly renovated ambulatories will serve the entire community, providing better and more accessible healthcare.” In closing, Ambassador Aoki wished the displaced families and the host communities continued strength, understanding, and solidarity.
“This initiative is not only a response to current humanitarian challenges but also an investment in long-term sustainable development. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to the vital and consistent support of the Government of Japan, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude. The ambulatories in Ayntap, Ranchpar, and Taperakan are a vivid example of how partnerships can shape more resilient communities,” said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.
Deputy Minister of Health Artak Jumayan congratulated colleagues, medical workers and residents on the solemn opening of the ambulatories. “The Ministry of Health attaches importance to this process, as medical care and services to our residents will be carried out in more comfortable and favorable conditions. The primary healthcare system is a priority of the Government and the Ministry of Health reforms agenda, and within the framework of the Government program, about 5 dozen rural ambulatories and 8 regional polyclinics are planned to be reconstructed and equipped with new equipment,” said Mr. Jumayan. He also noted that the new management model of the primary healthcare system is in the reform process, at the same time, new functions have been established for family doctors and nurses, and for this purpose relevant educational programs will be implemented.
Together, the three ambulatories serve more than 14,800 residents, including nearly 700 refugees and around 880 persons with disabilities. The new facilities improve both the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, contributing to the sustainable development of the communities. In the next phase of the project, seven more ambulatories are planned to be renovated across different regions of Armenia. As part of the opening ceremony, Ambassador AOKI Yutaka and Natia Natsvlishvili planted a sakura tree in the yard of the Ranchpar ambulatory as a symbol of friendship and cooperation.
