Healthcare improvements planned in Azerbaijan
By Sabina Idayatova
Establishment of medical industry enterprises and governmental support for their activity are envisaged for improving the supply of medicine and equipment to the medical facilities in Azerbaijan.
These measures are outlined in the mid-term concept of socio-economic development for 2014-2017 submitted to Azerbaijan's parliament, the Milli Mejlis.
According to the draft concept, a system of geographic data across the country will be created in healthcare.
Moreover, new sanatorium resort facilities will be established. Furthermore, the measures cover reconstruction of the existing facilities and infrastructure improvements.
Streamlining healthcare management, strengthening of the logistics of medical institutions, introduction of new medical technologies, and large-scale personnel reforms have been carried out in the country recently. This contributes to the development of Azerbaijan's public health in accordance with international standards and integration of the national healthcare system to the world's leading countries.
Along with the state medical institutions, there are 500 privately owned medical facilities and more than 900 drugstores in the country. The conditions and quality of provided medical services are regularly reviewed by Health Ministry experts. Also, there is a great number of reconstructed and technologically equipped state-run medical facilities provided with advanced technology.
Over 4,500 types of medicine have been registered and included in the state medicine register so far. A lot of work has been done to prevent the import of unregistered drugs into the country.