Bringing a child into the world is a joyous milestone, but for many families in Azerbaijan it comes with a hefty price tag that can strain household budgets.
Gynecologist Tarana Hasanova told KhazarTV, that some essential medical tests during pregnancy remain costly and are not fully covered by compulsory health insurance.
“Genetic testing alone can cost around 200 manats, and infectious disease checks add another 100 manats,” she said, noting that families who choose private clinics face minimum bills starting at 1,000 manats.
Prices climb even higher when it comes to delivery itself. Gynecologist Raul Azimov explained that costs depend on both the hospital and the medical risk involved.
“Natural birth typically ranges from 900 to 1,600 manats, while cesarean sections can reach 1,200 to 3,000 manats,” he said.
Screening procedures such as double, triple, quadruple, and NIP tests are recommended in the first trimester to detect genetic disorders, followed by sugar load tests in later stages of pregnancy – adding to the expense.
According to Leyla Latifova from the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance, state hospitals do provide coverage for many analyses, including tests for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and blood screenings. However, childbirth itself – whether natural or surgical – is not fully insured.
“In the first half of this year, we recorded 14,700 births, with medical costs exceeding coverage in more than 15,000 cases,” Latifova noted.
For families, the financial reality often depends on whether they opt for state hospitals or private facilities. While some basic services are insured, those seeking more comprehensive care or modern amenities must pay thousands out of pocket.
Analysts warn that the system’s gaps disproportionately affect young families and risk discouraging them at a time when the government is promoting higher birth rates.
