Abstract

ABSTRACT
The Health Care System in Armenia
(The Historical, Social, and Theological Perspective:
Past, Present, and Prospects)
Bishop Bagrat (Vazgen) Galstanian
The history of Armenia and Armenians remains little known to the world. Yet, it has contributed to the global enrichment and advancement in many areas such as culture, science, religion, politics etc. This thesis, in its entirety is aimed at disclosing and presenting a very small part of the rich experience and practice of Armenians in the field of science and that of medical science. It explores the profound heritage and past practice of medicine in Armenia and how it can apply to the modern day health care system and serve as a valuable tool for the betterment and progress of health care performance.
It has been 20 years since the Republic of Armenia has declared independence and is going through many changes on all levels of society. Being in a transition period there are still internal and external unresolved issues, hardships, difficulties and challenges that the people are facing. In this environment the health care system is not an exception. By illustrating the historical background and by giving the ethical and theological perspective, this thesis aims to provide valuable assistance that could impact the performance of medicine in Armenia and provide a necessary means in the bioethical decision-making process. The thesis examines the modern health care system through a theological and bioethical prism; a first attempt to apply a theological analysis of the field of medicine in a cultural context.