Azerbaijan.US
Genetic testing has become a routine part of modern healthcare in many countries, including neighboring Turkey. These tests are widely used to identify hereditary disease risks, support early diagnosis, guide cancer treatment, and tailor medications to individual genetic profiles.
In Azerbaijan, however, access to comprehensive genetic testing remains severely limited – and prohibitively expensive.
As a result, many patients are forced to send biological samples abroad, most often to Turkey. This process not only delays diagnosis but also creates a major financial barrier to care.
What genetic testing is used for
Genetic tests are commonly used to detect inherited disorders, congenital syndromes, blood diseases, cardiovascular risks, and various forms of cancer. Early identification of genetic mutations can significantly improve treatment outcomes and, in some cases, save lives.
However, these tests come at a steep cost. According to medical specialists, prices typically range from 5,000 to 12,000 Azerbaijani manats (approximately $3,000-$7,000 USD), depending on the scope of the analysis.
Targeted tests focusing on a single organ or condition are less expensive, while comprehensive panels covering multiple systems quickly exceed 10,000 manats. For many Azerbaijani households, this amount equals several months – or even a full year – of income.
Long waits and additional costs
Beyond cost, genetic testing is also time-intensive. Unlike standard laboratory tests, results are not available within 24 hours. Processing typically takes 10-15 days, and in some cases one to two months, especially when samples are sent abroad.
Patients must also account for additional expenses, including logistics, intermediary fees, and, in some cases, travel – further widening the gap between those who can afford advanced diagnostics and those who cannot.
Why testing is not widely available domestically
Medical experts cite a shortage of trained specialists as one of the main obstacles. Medical genetics is a highly specialized field requiring two to three years of dedicated training, followed by continuous professional education.
Oncologist Farid Museybov notes that while Azerbaijan has the basic infrastructure to support genetic diagnostics, the country lacks sufficient human capital to conduct and interpret advanced genetic tests at scale. As a result, many critical analyses – including genetic screening for inherited blood disorders in children and advanced oncology panels – remain unavailable domestically.
Limited screening and future prospects
At present, genetic testing in Azerbaijan is largely confined to a narrow set of mandatory medical checks, such as premarital screenings. Broader diagnostic use remains under development.
Health professionals say that steps are being taken to gradually expand local capacity, but no clear timeline has been announced.
The editorial team submitted a formal inquiry to the Ministry of Health regarding plans to improve access to genetic diagnostics. No response had been received at the time of publication.
A question of access, not technology
The absence of widely available genetic testing highlights a broader healthcare gap in Azerbaijan. The issue is not the lack of technology, but access.
When potentially life-saving diagnostics cost several thousand dollars and are only available abroad, access to modern healthcare becomes a matter of personal wealth rather than medical need.
Until domestic genetic testing becomes affordable and widely available, advanced diagnostics will remain out of reach for much of the population.
