Viva-MTS: Orthotics - after the wounding․ Preventing post-injury complications is a goal for partner organizations

Armen from Syuniq has his own definition and perception of patriotism and friendship. For the 26-year-old young man, there is another reality parallel to that described in textbooks: the lessons of the days lived. After the injury, his life divided into two parts: before and after. He realized that victories are needed not only on the battlefield, but also in everyday life. It is considered a victory for him to stand up, create a family, and name his firstborn daughter Metaxe. Armen loves his life and homeland, proud that his name means "Armenian".

"There is one important value for me. We completely need to love and respect each other. We are not a people, we are a nation. Our nation must stand by our soldier. This is our greatest salvation at these turbulent times. If everyone does their job, they will help both our country and our soldiers. In 2016, when I finished my military service, I met my other half. She was not my wife yet. Then there were some circumstances that hindered our marriage. Then I was wounded. At that time, we didn't communicate, but I opened my eyes and saw her standing next to me," Armen Harutyunyan from Syuniq said.

More than one year ago, Viva-MTS and the Homeland Defender’s (Zinvori tun) Rehabilitation Center implemented a program to help the wounded servicemen get back to life. It is important for the rehabilitation treatment of the soldiers who have suffered spinal cord, brain, as well as upper and lower limb injuries. Armen is one of the beneficiaries of this program. He wears an orthosis for four months. Compared with static orthoses, the advanced orthoses purchased by the partner organizations do not limit the movement, are lightweight, and are dynamic and functional owing to the elaborate mechanical jointing and structure. The orthoses are able to fix the posture and ensure easy movement.

Armen avoids discussing the details of his injury in order to maintain his spirit strong. He knows that many servicemen like him moved to the next level, changing from wheelchair to crutches, walker, cane, and then to an orthosis. The most important thing for him is to be strong, do not despair, set a goal, move forward, and not give up. The young man sets another goal: get a new profession. He has the prospect of becoming a graphic designer.

The main purpose of orthoses is to ensure proper anatomical fixing of posture to ease the load on injured joints or extremities, as well as activation and correction. These efforts allow for a reduction in the load on the human spine and joints, as well as a reduction in muscle tension. At the same time, in the case of problems in the lower limb, they contribute to the restoration of correct biomechanics and the progress of the walking program, as well as the restoration of the functionality of the hands.

The three years program started in 2021. For that, Viva-MTS has allotted AMD 120 million to the Homeland Defender’s (Zinvori tun) Rehabilitation Center.

Viva-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people at heart since its launch on 1st July 2005 and in a short period of time Viva-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. Viva-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market.  The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility), ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 37001 (International anti-bribery management systems standard). Additional information about Viva-MTS can be found at: https://www.mts.am

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 88 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Armenia and Belarus. Since June Y2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at: www.mtsgsm.com