The Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan has proposed significant concessions in the conditions for issuing referrals for medical-social expertise to simplify the disability assessment process.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, this initiative is included in the Ombudsman's report for 2025, which was submitted for discussion at a meeting of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) Committee on Human Rights.
The Ombudsman suggests amending the regulations approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to reduce mandatory waiting periods. Under the proposal, continuous treatment for the same illness over the last 3 (three) months, or intermittent treatment over the last 6 (six) months, should be sufficient grounds for issuing a referral for disability evaluation.
This concession applies to cases where, despite treatment, body functions are not restored and stable physical or mental impairments remain that hinder the individual's participation in social life. For comparison, current legislation requires double these durations—specifically 6 months of continuous treatment and 12 months of intermittent treatment.
The proposed changes aim to enhance social protection and ensure more efficient access to state support for citizens with health limitations in Azerbaijan. By shortening the evaluation timeline, the government seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide timely assistance to vulnerable populations, aligning with international standards for human rights and social welfare. The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) is expected to review these amendments as part of the broader social reform agenda for the upcoming fiscal year.
