Turkish Red Crescent ambulence seen in Yerevan stirs debate

· December 16, 2025

A patient transported from France to Armenia in a Turkish Red Crescent ambulance was moved this way [Armenia] due to medical necessity, according to Narek Zeynalyan, director of the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Medical Center. He addressed public concerns on his Facebook page, clarifying that air travel would have posed serious health risks for the patient.

“Since speculation continues and tensions remain high following my previous post, although I would prefer not to delve into details, I must provide further clarification,” he wrote.

According to Zeynalyan, the patient had spent about a month in a hospital in Colmar, France. The family decided to bring the patient to Armenia. Due to medical recommendations and the patient’s condition, air travel was deemed potentially harmful. The only viable solution was transportation by a resuscitation ambulance, a specially equipped emergency vehicle.

To organize the necessary documentation and logistics, the patient’s relatives contacted Rustam Bakoyan, a member of Armenia’s National Assembly. Eventually, the most cost-effective option was found, and the transfer to Armenia was arranged.