Azerbaijan. Healthcare system overview
Introduction
Azerbaijan is located in the south Caucasus on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The country is divided into two parts, the main territory of Azerbaijan and the enclave autonomous republic of Nakhichevan, which are separated by Armenian territory. The country has considerable mineral wealth, including oil and gas reserves. At the beginning of the 20th century, Azerbaijan supplied almost half of the world’s oil, and oil has remained central to the country’s economy into the 21st century. In 2007, the oil sector accounted for more than 50% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 80% of exports. Azerbaijan has a very stable political environment. President Ilham Aliyev has been in power since 2003 when his father (Heydar Aliyev) stepped down because of ill health after 10 years in power since independence.
Azerbaijan is located in the south Caucasus on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The country is divided into two parts, the main territory of Azerbaijan and the enclave autonomous republic of Nakhichevan, which are separated by Armenian territory. The country has considerable mineral wealth, including oil and gas reserves. At the beginning of the 20th century, Azerbaijan supplied almost half of the world’s oil, and oil has remained central to the country’s economy into the 21st century. In 2007, the oil sector accounted for more than 50% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 80% of exports. Azerbaijan has a very stable political environment. President Ilham Aliyev has been in power since 2003 when his father (Heydar Aliyev) stepped down because of ill health after 10 years in power since independence.
The main causes of adult mortality are essentially noncommunicable, with circulatory diseases predominating. Nevertheless, the prevention of communicable diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB), remains a significant health issue. Reducing the burden of infant and maternal mortality has also been recognized as a key health priority in the country.
Organization and regulation
Azerbaijan inherited an extensive and highly centralized Semashko system at independence, and many of its key features have been retained. The formal structure of the health system is highly centralized and hierarchical and most decisions about key health policy initiatives are made at the national level. The Ministry of Health formally has ultimate responsibility for the management of the health system, but it has limited means to influence health care providers at the local level as they are financially dependent on the local district health authorities or the village authorities for smaller rural services.
Organization and regulation
Azerbaijan inherited an extensive and highly centralized Semashko system at independence, and many of its key features have been retained. The formal structure of the health system is highly centralized and hierarchical and most decisions about key health policy initiatives are made at the national level. The Ministry of Health formally has ultimate responsibility for the management of the health system, but it has limited means to influence health care providers at the local level as they are financially dependent on the local district health authorities or the village authorities for smaller rural services.
The district authorities and the administration of the central district hospital have direct managerial responsibilities for health providers in their area. There is also considerable parallel health service provision outside the inf luence of the Ministry of Health, as providers are subordinated to and financed through other line ministries or state enterprises. The private sector is licensed by the Ministry of Health but is otherwise completely independent, and private service provision is a growing feature of the system.
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