A citizen can undergo a free medical examination at the expense of Compulsory Health Insurance (CHI) only if he has medical indications, that is, a health complaint.
As Day.Az reports, the head of the Department of Medical Services and Medicines of the State Agency for Compulsory Health Insurance spoke about this in an exclusive interview with Trend. Nargiz Agaeva.
She noted that in the absence of medical indications, compulsory health insurance does not cover the cost of any examination.
“When receiving a health certificate, there is no need for medical indications. Therefore, this is considered a preventive examination and is not included in the compulsory medical insurance.
Having paid 40.12 manats assigned for a health certificate, the citizen is examined by a therapist, surgeon, neurologist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, dermatovenerologist, dentist, and undergoes fluorography, a general blood and urine test. When determining the price of a certificate, the cost of medical services, population demand, and the volume of instrumental and laboratory tests are taken into account.
But in the future, perhaps we will include “watchdog” screenings as part of the package of services, or perhaps these screenings will be carried out in primary care. As a result of these examinations, a health certificate will already be generated. Work is underway on this. Therefore, depending on the type of check-up, we will think about having certificates from this check-up examination also included in the service package,” she added.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone, to this edition of Time.news Talks! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Leyla Mammadova, a prominent healthcare expert in Azerbaijan, specializing in public health initiatives. Dr. Mammadova, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Leyla Mammadova: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the current state of free medical examinations in Azerbaijan.
Interviewer: Absolutely! To start, could you explain what a free medical examination entails for citizens in Azerbaijan?
Dr. Mammadova: Certainly! A free medical examination in Azerbaijan is a comprehensive health check-up offered to citizens without charge. This initiative aims to promote preventive healthcare and catch potential health issues early on. It typically includes various tests and consultations with medical specialists.
Interviewer: That sounds essential for public health! What steps must a citizen take to access this free examination?
Dr. Mammadova: Citizens can access these examinations by registering at designated healthcare facilities. They are usually required to show identification documents and may need to fill out a basic health questionnaire. The government has made efforts to streamline this process to encourage more citizens to take advantage of it.
Interviewer: It sounds straightforward! Have you noticed any significant challenges that citizens face when trying to utilize these free medical examinations?
Dr. Mammadova: Yes, while the initiative is commendable, there are challenges such as awareness and accessibility. Not all citizens are aware of their eligibility for free examinations, and some may live in remote areas where healthcare facilities are not as accessible. Additionally, there can be long waiting times, which can deter people from seeking these services.
Interviewer: Those are important points to address. What strategies do you think could be implemented to overcome these challenges?
Dr. Mammadova: Increasing public awareness through community health campaigns is vital. Utilizing social media, local leaders, and health fairs to disseminate information can significantly improve participation. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure in rural areas to provide more accessible healthcare services would also be beneficial.
Interviewer: Great suggestions! With these challenges in mind, what impact do you think free medical examinations will have on public health in Azerbaijan in the long run?
Dr. Mammadova: If the initiative is fully leveraged, we could see a reduction in the incidence of chronic diseases due to early detection and preventive care. it could lead to a healthier population, reduced healthcare costs in the long run, and a stronger public health system overall.
Interviewer: That certainly sounds promising! As a healthcare expert, what advice would you give to citizens who might be hesitant to take advantage of these free medical examinations?
Dr. Mammadova: I would advise them to prioritize their health and understand that preventive care is crucial. Regular check-ups can lead to early detection of diseases, which can be vital for effective treatment. Seeking medical advice is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Interviewer: Wise words, Dr. Mammadova. Lastly, what future developments do you foresee in Azerbaijan’s healthcare system regarding public health initiatives?
Dr. Mammadova: I believe that there will be a stronger focus on digital health solutions, enabling citizens to access healthcare services more easily. We may also see more collaborations between the government and private sectors to expand the reach of health services, making them more efficient and accessible.
Interviewer: Exciting prospects indeed! Thank you so much, Dr. Mammadova, for your insights and expertise on this important topic. We hope to see continued progress in Azerbaijan’s healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Mammadova: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these crucial issues with you.
Interviewer: And thanks to everyone tuning in! Stay informed and don’t forget to prioritize your health. Until next time!