Renovated Yerevan clinic draws criticism over crowding and infection risks

A newly renovated public clinic in Yerevan’s Malatia-Sebastia district is facing criticism from patients who say overcrowding and mixed patient flows are increasing the risk of viral transmission, despite upgrades to the facility.

Lawmakers from the ruling Civil Contract party have recently shared photos and videos on social media highlighting renovations at Polyclinic No. 19, including new doors, freshly painted walls and updated medical equipment. The clinic has also absorbed staff and patients from the neighboring Children’s Polyclinic No. 9, which has been temporarily relocated.

But patients say the improvements have not addressed operational problems. A woman who contacted Panorama.am said she arrived at the clinic at 9:30 a.m. on Monday for an X-ray examination and was not seen until nearly 11 a.m., after waiting in crowded corridors.

“During the peak virus season, everyone is mixed together,” she said. “Children receiving inpatient treatment at a nearby hospital, people suspected of pneumonia, virus carriers, healthy people coming for routine checks and patients with fractures are all waiting in the same hallway.”

She described feverish, coughing children sharing space with patients carrying IV catheters and others with broken fingers or arms. “And then they wonder why viruses spread,” she added. “In these conditions, how could they not?”

According to the patient, congestion continues after imaging tests, as patients queue outside doctors’ offices to have diagnoses recorded. The ultrasound room, where pregnant women are examined, is located directly opposite.

“So who is spreading the virus? Is it us, or the Health Ministry and the clinic’s management?” she asked.

She said that several people examined while she was present were diagnosed with pneumonia.