The Recuperation center was opened up in Stepanakert in 1998 by the vice speaker for the House of Lords of the UK Caroline Cox. Handicapped soldiers and children get medical treatment here. In 2000, there were already seven therapist-nurses who were treating ambulatory patients. During the same year, the center also had a pediatric service. The recuperation center works with the Ministry of Health of Karabagh since 2002.
Foreign benefactors have helped the center with remodeling, making other rooms and getting some items. In 2001, thanks to Argentinean-Armenian benefactors Edward and George Vardparonyans, the center received a “Gazel” brand name car. Through the combined efforts of different sponsors and the Ministry of Health of Karabagh, the center has been provided with a gym, computer teaching rooms, pottery rooms, a “Niva” car has been provided to the center. Also, some events have been organized, including the yearly field trips to Armenia’s historical/cultural landmarks.
There are also many rich people in Karabagh, however, they don’t help the center. Many Diaspora Armenian young people visit Karabagh in the summer to help the center with remodeling.
From 2000 to July 2005, 432 handicapped patients have received medical treatment, 225 at the homes and 125 have received stationary treatment. The pediatrician has shown medical aid to 194 patients and 62 people have visited the psychologist. According to the parents of the children at the hospital, this is the only hospital which doesn’t take bribes for medical treatment. “I am very satisfied with the doctor’s work. My son received treatment by the pediatrician. I did not imagine seeing such care and generosity. That was not only towards my son, but in general. The staff works for free but with care and responsibility,” says Diana Avetisyan.
One of the sponsors for the center is Robin Mack-Larry from Scotland, who visited Karabagh in 2001 for the first time. Robin spends most of the year in Karabagh. He said the following about how the center functions. “I saw something else here. I don’t know whether this is a Caucasian or post-Soviet mentality, but many people in Karabagh only think about making money by doing this or that. Of course, they don’t earn much here and that is why it is like that. But each person must do his or her work with care. You must like the people that you work with,” says Robin.
The recuperation center in Stepanakert continues to work for the people. The center is thinking about widening its spectrum of projects, although it does need help in provision of professional equipment and implementation of future projects.