Pilot projects to be launched on compulsory medical insurance
By Amina Nazarli
Realization of pilot projects on compulsory health insurance will be launched in Azerbaijan in the near future with a view to continue reforms in the health sphere.
Ali Ahmadov, Deputy Prime Minister said that the pilot projects will be realized in Yevlakh and Mingachevir regions of the country. Based on the results of the pilot projects, the system of compulsory medical insurance will come into force across the country.
“We have two main goals: collection of necessary funds to provide mandatory health insurance and medical services to a wider range of the population, and that this [mandatory medical insurance] not becomes a heavy burden for citizens,” he said.
The compulsory insurance is an integral part of health care reform, which will increase the financial capacity of the health system.
The State Agency for Compulsory Health Care Insurance, established in February 2016, aims to ensure access to health services for all citizens.
The Agency has already defined the main characteristics of a future model of compulsory health insurance. The package of the compulsory medical insurance will cover 1,800 medical services, including inspection, treatment, diagnostic procedures, surgical procedures, and other services.
Certain diseases, treatments of which are realized at the expense of government programs, have not been included in the basic package. In the future it is planned to include them, as well.
It’s planned to use the benefits for the poor, elderly and retired people. However, the form of benefit application will become clear after the full introduction of the compulsory health insurance model.
International practice shows the preparation for the introduction of compulsory health insurance and its full implementation in the country could take three to five years.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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