Azerbaijan is set to implement significant changes in the provision of oncological services across the country. According to a new legislative approach, oncology care will now be provided not only by specialized state medical institutions but also by private medical facilities that have obtained the relevant licenses in accordance with the Law "On Licenses and Permits."
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this provision was reflected in the proposed amendment to the Law "On Oncology Care" discussed during today's session of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly). The document was subsequently adopted in its first reading.
Under current legislation, oncological services in Azerbaijan are exclusively provided by specialized state medical institutions. The examination and treatment of Azerbaijani citizens with oncological diseases are funded by the state budget. Furthermore, the state is responsible for establishing and strengthening the material and technical base of specialized organizations that carry out the dispensarization, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients. While the Law "On Protection of Public Health" grants patients the right to freely choose their doctor and medical facility, the Law "On Oncology Care" had previously restricted this right to state-owned entities only.
This legal barrier meant that any oncological service provided by a private medical facility was considered activity outside of its license, leading to potential legal liability. During the parliamentary discussions, it was emphasized that the high number of oncology patients and the limitation of services to state-funded institutions often forced citizens to seek treatment abroad. However, Azerbaijan currently possesses private medical facilities equipped with modern technology and qualified specialists capable of providing high-quality oncological care.
The adoption of these legislative changes will grant citizens, as well as foreigners and stateless persons in Azerbaijan, the opportunity to freely choose their treating physician and medical facility, thereby expanding access to essential medical services. This move is expected to reduce the burden on state institutions and foster a more competitive and advanced healthcare environment in the country.
