28 September 2023 17:58

Updated Benefit Package was presented

On September 28, the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance (Agency) held a presentation of the updated Benefit Package.

The event was graced by the presence of Health Minister Teymur Musayev, Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Parliament, several committee members, Zaur Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Agency, Nigar Bayramova, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Agency, Vugar Gurbanov, the executive director of the Administration of Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB), and his deputies, Bahar Muradova, Chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, along with representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Center for Public Health and Reforms, relevant state authorities, health and educational institutions, civil society, international organizations, and media outlets.

Zaur Aliyev, Chairman of the Board, officially opened the event with a welcoming speech, where he discussed the enhancements made to the Benefit Package and their significance for both the population and doctors.

"We have conducted extensive research and drawn from international experiences to achieve comprehensive healthcare. The three main components of universal health coverage care include ensuring the accessibility of medical services for the population, increasing the quality and coverage of medical services, and ensuring financial stability. By expanding the coverage of medical services, we are taking the next step towards universal health coverage. During the pilot project period, the number of medical services provided within the scope of mandatory health insurance tripled, reaching 3,315. At the same time, we have taken measure to improve the infrastructure of healthcare facilities, a critical element for providing timely, high-quality medical services to the population. From 2020 to 2023, the Agency procured new medical devices and equipment worth 100 million manats," – he said.

During his speech, Z. Aliyev emphasized the government's unwavering support for the healthcare sector: "We are confidently and resolutely advancing towards our goals. From day one, we have experienced the government's care and commitment. Today, under the strong leadership of Mr. President and with the invaluable support of the First Vice President, substantial efforts are underway to transform the healthcare landscape. Enhancing the healthcare infrastructure, establishing new medical facilities in the recently liberated regions, and expanding the range of medical services covered by mandatory health insurance are integral components of our healthcare reforms. All of these endeavors contribute significantly to the well-being and health protection of Azerbaijani citizens."

Z. Aliyev expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Parliament for their support of the Agency in improving the Benefit Package.

Speaking at the event, Teymur Musayev, Minister of Health, emphasized that the introduction of mandatory health insurance is proof of the highest level of care provided by President Ilham Aliyev for the health of our citizens. According to him, services in the private sector are provided based on the principle of integrated healthcare within the framework of public-private cooperation, and the integrative cooperation between the public and private sectors is currently successfully continuing.

"In the future, to improve the accessibility of medical services for the population and increase citizen satisfaction, mandatory health insurance can be enriched with other insurance models. Active cooperation is ongoing between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance, and the Association of Azerbaijan Insurers for the improvement of the health insurance system. Promising results have already been achieved in this area," concluded Teymur Musayev.

Ahliman Amiraslanov, the Chairman of the Health Committee of the Parliament, emphasized that the introduction of mandatory health insurance is an important reform in the history of healthcare. "I am pleased to announce that mandatory health insurance is now implemented nationwide, and our citizens are freely accessing medical services. Of course, there is much work yet to be done. I am proud to say that the scope of the Benefit Package is currently expanding. Today, significant efforts are required in the field of organ transplantation within our country's healthcare system. It is noteworthy that the inclusion of organ transplantation within the scope of mandatory health insurance is a crucial first step that will contribute to the measures taken," he stated.

A. Amiraslanov welcomed the provision of services by private health facilities within the scope of mandatory health insurance and emphasized the fact of an increase in health facilities.

According to Vugar Gurbanov, the executive director of TABIB, the new services added to the Benefit Package allow for an increase in the number of examination, treatment services, and operations that were not previously included in the Benefit Package. This expansion aims to improve the accessibility of medical services for the population.

"To facilitate the performance of laparoscopic operations in all our medical facilities, we have purchased new equipment, modernized the car park, implemented intensive measures to ensure a continuous supply of medical resources, and are actively working to enhance the hospital management system. By increasing the number of medical services included in the Benefit Package from 2,550 to 3,315, we anticipate a rise in the number of patients."

He also mentioned that regular training sessions are planned to educate health facility employees on the implementation of the changes in the Benefit Package. “These efforts, combined with the enhancements to the Benefit Package, are expected to contribute to the development of a healthier society. From this point forward, we will strive to enhance citizens' access to high-quality and affordable medical services," he concluded.

Subsequently, representatives from the Agency, Nijat Shirinov, Shamkhal Jamilzade, and Anar Rahimov, made a presentation. They provided information to the attendees regarding the newly added medical services in the Benefit Package, tariff adjustments, and improvements in the supply base of health facilities.

Finally, a press conference was organized for media representatives.