Azerbaijani citizens traveling abroad advised to undergo medical examinations
By Sabina Idayatova
Citizens should undergo medical examinations while traveling abroad and have certification of their health condition, and a medical examination is also needed after arrival in their home country, member of the Azerbaijan department of Helsinki Civil Watch, chief doctor of a medical clinic, Tamilla Karimova, said on July 5.
"Moreover, our citizens apparently do not care much about their health, and upon return they think that they have had some rest and everything will be all right with them, so, a clinical examination is not done. Only a small number of travel agencies organizing foreign trips require that their customers produce a health certificate," Karimova explained.
According to her, there is a service in the country that deals with such matters when people go abroad for a long time.
"These people undergo a medical examination and obtain information from the embassy of the country they are traveling to as to what disease they might contract in that country. Our citizens are vaccinated in advance in order not to catch an infection. However, short-term trips are beyond control," Karimova said.
She also said Azerbaijani tourists should protect themselves during their stay abroad by observing basic rules.
"They need to wash their hands, drink normal water, not tap water. Moreover, people should beware of locations where there is an epidemic. One should protect himself from an infection," Karimova said.
Article 24 of the insurance law of Azerbaijan deals with social protection of people traveling abroad by providing them with medical insurance from illness and accidents.
Azerbaijani citizens, foreign citizens permanently residing in Azerbaijan as well as stateless persons visiting foreign countries are subject to the insurance.
This type of insurance ensures payment of medical expenses of an insured person in case of illness or accidents that occur in foreign countries.