Vayk Doctor Accused of Negligence Dismissed from Work But Not Detained by Police

Head of the maternity ward in the southern Armenian town of Vayk, accoucheur and gynecologist Dr. Metaxya Hovhannisyan is not detained and is waiting for the outcome of expert findings.

Recall, relatives of a baby who recently died after being in a coma for over 2 weeks following delivery administered by Dr. Hovhannisyan insist that it was due to Dr. Hovhannisyan’s carelessness and negligence that their child died.

Speaking to Epress.am recently, Dr. Hovhannisyan said she has not been threatened by the child’s family.

“There’s been no conflict or bizarre incidents during this time; everything is quiet,” she said.

Prosecutor Gayane Khachikyan with the Vayots Dzor Marz Prosecutor’s Office who’s managing the case told Epress.am that based on considerations of interests in the preliminary investigation, she cannot say anything because  the existence or absence of negligence will be determined by the investigation findings.

“The doctor has not been detained, since we have no proof of negligence. We will know everything after the outcome of the investigation, which will be determined in one to two months. This is a special case, on which the investigative body will make a conclusion, with the appropriate expertise,” she said.

Recall, relatives say 20-year-old, first-time mom Armine Torosyan had contractions on Aug. 14 so they took her to the Vayk hospital, only to be told to delay the birth as Hovhannisyan was tending to household errands (beating wool for blankets and the like) and would call on the family in the evening.

As a result, the child was born late and there were complications during childbirth.

Upon instruction by the Deputy Prosecutor General of the RA, the Vayots Dzor investigative division launched proceedings specified by RA Criminal Code Article 130 (“Failure to implement or improper implementation of professional duties by medical and support personnel”).