Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi hosted H.E. Thongkhomang Armstrong Changsan, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Armenia.
Welcoming the high-ranking guest, Yervand Sahakyan, Vice-Rector for External Affairs and International Partnerships, congratulated him on the commencement of his diplomatic mission in the country.
The Vice-Rector presented the history of the institution—a forge for medical professionals with a legacy spanning over a century—detailing its establishment, development, and continuous improvement. “The first international students arrived here in 1958. Currently, approximately 2,000 citizens from 33 countries around the world are pursuing their medical education at our university,” Yervand Sahakyan emphasized.
During the meeting, he also discussed the operations of the University’s three hospitals.
The Vice-Rector informed the Ambassador that in February 2024, the Medical University’s trilingual “MD Physician” educational programs received international program accreditation—compliant with World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) standards—for the maximum term of seven years.
Active efforts are also underway regarding the international accreditation of educational programs in other faculties.
Yervand Sahakyan noted that from July 8 to 10 of next year, Yerevan will host the Armenian Medical World Congress (AMWC-2027), with the Medical University serving as the official organizer. According to the Vice-Rector, the Congress will be attended by several Nobel laureates, as well as renowned and distinguished Indian physicians.
Ambassador Changsan expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome: “It is a great honor for me to be hosted at a University where not only Armenian but also international students receive their medical education. I am pleased that the cooperation between Armenia and India in this field has a rich history.”
Subsequently, the Ambassador of India attended a ceremonial event dedicated to International Ayurveda Day in the Mahatma Gandhi Hall.
Rahul Anil Sethi, Head of the Division for Work with International Students; and Gayane Avetisyan, Head of the International Students’ Academic Affairs Department; welcomed the participants on behalf of the YSMU Rector and the Medical University.
Svetlana Avagyan, a lecturer at the American University of Armenia and a professional yoga instructor, delivered a lecture.
Future doctors from India also gave presentations on the topic.
As a reminder, more than 300 students and clinical residents from India are studying at YSMU.
