BAKU, July 16 — While Azerbaijan’s public healthcare system has undergone significant expansion under the country’s Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI) framework, private medical clinics remain highly sought-after, revealing persistent gaps in patient expectations and systemic capacity.
In recent years, the government has made notable progress in expanding access to free healthcare services across many state hospitals, resulting in a measurable rise in medical service utilization. However, many citizens continue to prefer private clinics despite the financial cost—raising questions about quality, accessibility, and trust in the public system.
Public vs. Private: What Do Patients Say?
A survey of local opinions reveals a divided public perception:
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Some view state hospitals as an affordable option backed by increasingly competent physicians.
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Others cite long wait times, understaffing, and rude personnel as common complaints in public hospitals.
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Private clinics are praised for efficiency, cleanliness, and more personalized care, but the cost barrier remains significant.
“Private doctors feel more responsible because the services are paid,” one citizen said. “In public clinics, you often face queues and unprofessional behavior.”
Expert View: A Mixed System with Uneven Outcomes
Dr. Adil Geybulla, a leading Azerbaijani medical expert, confirms that the MHI system has lowered the financial barrier for many patients. Still, persistent operational challenges have pushed others toward private care.
One major issue is the poorly implemented electronic appointment system. While it was designed to streamline patient intake, in practice many people still show up in person, leading to overcrowding and exhausted doctors—which in turn affects quality of care.
“Doctors can only see a fixed number of patients per day. When queues form and pressure builds, quality naturally declines,” Dr. Geybulla noted.
Comparative Realities: Tradeoffs in Both Sectors
Public Hospitals:
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Advantages: Free or low-cost services; broad coverage under MHI; growing investment in infrastructure.
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Challenges: Equipment shortages in some specialties; overburdened staff; inconsistent patient experience.
Private Clinics:
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Advantages: Shorter wait times; better facilities; more specialized and attentive care.
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Challenges: High out-of-pocket costs; limited affordability for low- to middle-income families.
A single lab test that costs up to 100 AZN in a private clinic may be free or subsidized in a public facility. Yet in cases where specialist care or advanced diagnostics are unavailable in state hospitals, citizens are left with no choice but to pay.
Outlook: Integrated Reform Still Needed
Azerbaijan’s health sector reforms have made quantifiable progress in improving access and affordability. However, greater investment in digital systems, staff training, and equipment modernization will be needed to bring public care in line with citizen expectations and lessen reliance on the private sector.
Analysts suggest that a hybrid healthcare model—one that blends state-funded coverage with regulated private alternatives—may be the most realistic path forward in ensuring universal access, equitable quality, and long-term trust in Azerbaijan’s evolving healthcare system.
