Despite a series of structural reforms in Azerbaijan’s healthcare sector, concerns persist over its long-term stability and workforce sustainability.
Experts point to an aging pool of medical professionals, a shortage of young specialists, and a growing outflow of doctors to foreign countries.
According to the Administration of Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB), around 76% of doctors currently working in the system are aged between 35 and 55, while only 10.3% are under 35. Official data from the State Statistics Committee shows Azerbaijan employs 35,200 doctors, of whom 26,200 work in public institutions and 9,000 in the private sector. Women make up 23,200 of the total.
“How Can a Resident Live on 400 Manats?”
Anesthesiologist Turanə Rasulova says that although the number of young specialists entering medicine has slightly increased, regional areas still face an acute shortage.
“Many young doctors prefer to move abroad. Even during university years, they prepare to continue their studies or careers in Germany, Türkiye, or the United States,” she told Kaspi newspaper.
Rasulova described the current residency system as “a necessary but poorly functioning reform.”
“Resident doctors earn only 400–500 manats a month. For a 24-year-old starting a family, that’s unsustainable. Naturally, they choose to go abroad, where conditions and salaries are far better.”
She also criticized low state compensation rates:
“Public hospitals receive just 1.95 manats per examination under compulsory health insurance, while patients see the same service listed at 25–26 manats. That’s a major imbalance in the system.”
According to Rasulova, doctors’ social status has also weakened.
“Medicine is years of sacrifice. Physicians should belong to the most respected layer of society. Otherwise, public trust erodes—and violence against doctors, as seen in Türkiye, could become our reality too.”
‘Lack of Practical Training Drives Young Doctors Abroad’
Huseyn Huseynzade, deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan Volunteer Doctors Association, said practical training remains the main barrier for new graduates.
“State hospitals can’t hire all graduates, while private clinics prefer experienced staff. Many therefore head to nearby countries such as Türkiye, where they gain hands-on experience with hundreds of patients in just a few years,” he explained.
He added that to attract doctors back, Azerbaijan must launch financial incentive programs for those with stable jobs abroad.
Doctor Shortage Peaks Across Regions
Ilgar Huseynli, head of the Social-Strategic Research and Analytical Studies Union, said nearly every district in Azerbaijan now faces staff shortages.
“Hospitals that once operated at full capacity, like Gedabay Central Hospital, are struggling to find specialists. From Shirvan to Ganja, it’s difficult to find a qualified trauma surgeon.”
Huseynli estimates that over the past five to seven years, 2,000–2,500 Azerbaijani doctors have relocated to Germany alone.
“Low wages and job instability are the main reasons,” he said.
“A medical resident in Türkiye earns the equivalent of 5,000–7,000 manats, while in Azerbaijan it’s around 400 manats. That gap speaks for itself.”
Losing Experience Alongside Youth
Another issue, Huseynli noted, is the dismissal of experienced doctors upon reaching the age of 65.
“In developed countries, renowned doctors work and teach until 70 or even 75. In Azerbaijan, we lose that experience instead of turning veteran doctors into mentors for young colleagues,” he said.
‘Brain Drain Can Be Reversed’
From Germany, Dr. Javid Huseynzade, head of the ENT and Facial Reconstruction Clinic at Frankfurt Oder Hospital, told Bizim.Media that weak postgraduate education drives young physicians abroad.
“Residents in Azerbaijan earn too little and lack proper facilities. In Germany, a first-year resident earns €3,500–4,000 a month and has access to free international medical literature and subsidized training courses.”
Even so, Huseynzade believes Azerbaijan’s healthcare system is entering its most dynamic phase:
“Years ago, medical innovation came from foreigners. Now, Azerbaijani doctors trained abroad are returning home and providing world-class services in their native language.”
