BAHA
British Armenian Health Association
Our ARTSAKH APPEAL donated to the Baroness Cox Rehabilitation Centre, Stepanakert
We travelled the 5 hour ride from Yerevan to Stepanakert in one of the centre’s minivans. Our driver, guide and host was none other than the centre’s director himself, Vardan Tadevossian. An Artsakhsi himself, he is passionate about the work of the centre and of the future of Kharabakh. He recounted the history of the centre and his aspirations for the future as he droves us along winding mountainous roads and navigated around potholes. Although focused on our purpose, to evaluate the work of the centre as a potential recipient of our donations, we made time to take in the breathtaking mountainous landscapes and enjoy the architectural beauty of the numerous monasteries along the way.
BAHA committee members Seta Boghossian-Tighe, Vartouhie Barnes Vartabedian and Kevork Hopayian visited the centre 22-23 April 2018. The Armenian Medical Association (as it was then) raised money from the Armenian Community in the UK following the 4 day war. We have donated those funds (nearly 1.5m AMD) to the Centre.
To say that we were impressed by the work would be the biggest understatement. From its original role of rehabilitating victims of the war of independence, the centre has grown and diversified. It provides rehabilitation for all manner of problems, from congenital and developmental disorders in infancy, to victims of current trauma, be they occupational or military from the continued fire from the Azeri side, through to the disorders of later life, such as strokes. It is now the rehabilitation centre of the whole of the Mountainous Republic of Kharabakh. State funded but limited in resources, the centre makes the most of what it has and the resilience of its dedicated staff. And the staff do it all with a warmth and affection to everyone in their care.
Above view from Surp Hovhanness Megerditch Church, Gandzasar
Left speech therapy in progress at the Baroness Cox Rehabilitation Centre