Open Letter to the Minister of Defence

On November 28, 2009 HCA Vanadzor applied to the Minister of Defence related to the health problems of soldier Grigor Hakobyan.

His mother, who is from the village of Hoghmik in Shirak fegion, informed us that her son was asked to come to the military commissariat on April 15, 2009. According to the results of the local medical examination it was decided that on May 17, 2009 G. Hakobyan would go to serve in the army. However, on that day he was sent to the orthopedic hospital of Yerevan to undergo medical examination. Though according to the medical conclusion, he has health problems, he was sent to Sisian for military service on June 8.

On July 15, he was taken to Meghri and then he started to complain about his health. Afterwards, he was taken to the hospital of Sisian. According to his parent, the commander told her that their son pretended in order to be taken to another battalion.

On September 12, the soldier was taken to the military hospital in Yerevan. He was examined again, but nothing changed and then he was again taken to the army. Then G. Hakobyan was taken to “Kanaz” hospital and then to the army again.

HCA Vanadzor informed the Minister of Defence that the medical conclusions were not provided to the soldier or his parents and that the soldier was recognized fit for military service with health problems. Therefore, we asked the Minister of Defence to assist in organizing additional medical examination and solving the solder’s health problems and then define whether he is fit for military service.

After that, we got an answer from the Ministry of Defence that G. Hakobyan had been examined and taken to the central military hospital for further examination and treatment. Then it was decided that the soldier was fit for non-regular service and should be under medical control. Therefore, he was sent back to the military unit on 25.11.2009.

A few days later the solder was taken to the psychiatric department because he had complained about pains in his back and leg. HCA Vanadzor again applied to the Minister of Defence asking to solve the health problems of the soldier. We were informed that the soldier was under examination and that we would be informed about his health conditions later.

However, the solder was examined for 6 times during the period September 12 up to now and there has been no positive change, moreover, the soldier or his parents did not get the results of the medical examination in spite of the fact that they had demanded them for a few times.

That is why on February15, 2010 we applied to the Minister of Defence with an open letter asking to give a final solution to the problems of G. Hakobyan and provide the conclusion of the medical examination.  

Artur Sakunts