TABIB hosts medical literacy training for media representatives

28.12.2024, 17:34

TABIB organized a comprehensive training session on “Medical Literacy” for representatives of various media organizations. This initiative was held within the framework of TABIB's “Communication Strategy for 2024–2026”.

The event began with a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near the city of Aktau.
In her opening remarks, Zamira Adilova, Head of the Public Relations and Communications Department at TABIB, provided an overview of the department’s activities and accomplishments in 2024. She highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and public engagement:

“To optimize the recruitment process for both medical professionals and citizens, we launched a Career Portal. Work has also begun on creating a unified website for all affiliated medical institutions. Additionally, we have developed the necessary regulatory and legal frameworks, instructions, media plans, and organized targeted trainings to improve public relations practices within our institutions,” said Adilova.

She noted that in 2024, TABIB received 2,342 media inquiries, of which 2,277 (97.2%) were answered. The few unanswered inquiries fell outside the organization’s scope of authority. Over the course of the year, TABIB prepared 265 press releases to keep the public informed and facilitated more than 1,800 video coverages in response to media requests and for events such as meetings, presentations, inaugurations, and exhibitions. Furthermore, 10 exclusive interviews were arranged with TABIB’s Executive Director.

Adilova also mentioned that media tours were organized to Yeni Klinika, Lankaran District Central Hospital, Gabala District Central Hospital, and Sumgayit Medical Center, and confirmed that similar activities will continue into 2025.

Aynura Ahmadova, Head of the Marketing and Public Relations Department at the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance, also addressed the audience. She reported on the Agency’s efforts to gather public feedback and improve service delivery:

“Two population-based surveys were conducted this year: one to assess public awareness and satisfaction with services under mandatory health insurance, and another to evaluate the effectiveness of our awareness campaigns. The results will be used to enhance service quality and optimize communication with the public,” she explained. Aynura Ahmadova also shared details on outpatient medication coverage under the insurance system and other recent developments.

The training continued with an interactive simulation on first aid, where journalists practiced emergency response techniques using medical dummies. Presentations followed on media literacy and the topic “Brain Productivity: The First Key to Success in Every Field”.

In the official part of the event, Deputy Executive Director of TABIB, Araz Nasirov, emphasized the importance of media in bridging the gap between government institutions and the public. He expressed gratitude to the media representatives for their role in accurately and effectively communicating healthcare-related information.

At the conclusion of the training, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their cooperation with TABIB and their active involvement in promoting medical literacy.