Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Armenian International Medical Fund (AIM Fund)?
The purpose of the AIM Fund is to create, implement, and maintain innovative healthcare projects in Armenia with the intention of making the country the leader in the Region.

What are the innovative projects the AIM Fund has established in Armenia?
AIM Fund’s innovative projects are cochlear implant surgery, bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) surgery, simulated temporal bone drilling laboratory, neonatal hearing screening, and UCLA-ArmGenia.

What are Cochlear implants and BAHA surgeries, and who needs them?
Children born with profound hearing loss (stage IV deafness) or adults with stage IV deafness (acquired later in life) can benefit from a cochlear implant to begin hearing for the first time or regain hearing. BAHA is for children/adolescents who have some hearing,

How many children/adults have received cochlear implants and BAHAs?
As of May 1, 2024, close to 250 children and young adults have received a cochlear implant or a BAHA device.

What is the cost of a cochlear implant device, surgery, and speech rehabilitation?
The special discounted price of an implant with a speech processor (CI System) is up to $21,000. It is because of the volunteer professional services provided by Dr. Akira Ishiyama, Dr. Salpy Akaragian, and others. Even though the AIM Fund pays 70% to 100% of the CI System’s cost, others pay/donate the remaining balance, such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health. Also, the Ministry of Health has paid for hospital expenses ($4,000/CI recipient), including 50 speech rehabilitation classes in the past few years.

What is the success rate?
We have a 100% success rate in hearing and close to 100% in speech.

Does the AIM Fund have overhead expenses?
No. Everyone is a volunteer and donates their time. We do not have expenses, such as an office, secretarial support, etc. Everyone pays for their travel expenses for the medical missions except for Dr. Akira Ishiyama, whose travel expenses are provided by the AIM Fund.

When was the AIM Fund founded, and how is it funded?
AIM Fund was founded in 2003 by Salpy Akaragian, PhD, RN, NPD-BC. The initial financial gift was made by the Vram Aslanian family in memory of Vram’s wife, Janet Aslanian, and from a generous gift by the Madikians family in memory of their father, Krikor Madikians. Since then, AIM Fund has received generous financial support from the following Foundations/Funds: Chitjian Foundation, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund, UCLA Dream Fund, and UCLA Foundation.

Furthermore, throughout the years, the following families/individuals have donated $10,000 and more: Dr. Salpy Akaragian Trust, Akarakian, Aslanian, Basmajian, Danielian, Friedman, Harper/Harpoothian Family, Karakarjian, Garo Mardirossian, Esq., Timmy Mardirossian, Dr. Massihi, Maroukian, Mgrublian, Nelson, Ohanian, Saghdejian, Sarkisyan, Veterans of Armenia, Youredjian and Zoryan. In addition, gala dinners and other fundraising activities provide funds to purchase the devices and equipment needed for the surgeries.

In What hospital are the surgeries being performed?
The surgeries are performed at Erebouni Medical Center in Yerevan, Armenia.

What type of equipment and supplies are donated for the surgeries in Armenia?
The best microscope on the market (Mitaka), temporal bone drills, burs, facial nerve monitor and leads, ABR and other hearing screening machines, prosthetics, and essential supplies that Armenia cannot provide.

What about training surgeons and other professionals?
All the professionals (anesthesiologists, nurses, speech therapists, programmers, and audiologists) except the otology surgeons are fully trained and practice independently. Recently, a young practicing otology surgeon observed Dr. Ishiyama’s practice at UCLA.

What about the UCLA-ArmGenia project?
In 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and ArmGenia to map out Armenian human genomes. Over 200 samples from Armenia were analyzed, and the findings were presented at many conferences. Drs. Wayne Grody, Evgeni Sokurenko, Sevak Avagyan, and Salpy Akaragian continue leading the project. Plans are underway to prepare the chip that identifies common medical diagnoses in the people of Artsakh. The project's funding was from Sara Chitjian Charitable Trust, Promise Armenia Institute, and ArmGenia.

Is the AIM Fund assisting the wounded soldiers and burn victims of a gas explosion in Artsakh?
Yes. In November 2020, a one-of-a-kind surgery, repair of a damaged facial nerve, in Armenia was performed on a 21-year-old wounded soldier, and many other soldiers have benefited from our work. During the 44-day war, AIM Fund collaborated with Dr. Arpenik Avagyan and funded the soldiers who lost an
eye(s). Furthermore, the AIM Fund donated to the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund by purchasing two cell saver machines and 300 special medical first aid kits for the field medics. AIM Fund assists the burn victims from the September 25th gas explosion in Artsakh and continues to play a role.

Is AIM Fund a non-profit organization, and where can I receive additional information?
Yes, we have been a non-profit organization since 2003. The tax-exempt Identification Number is 32- 0078573.