Azerbaijani insurers declared readiness for widespread implementation of CHI

The Azerbaijani insurers first announced their readiness for the widespread introduction of compulsory health insurance (CHI).

According to head of the health insurance department of the company Pasha Sigorta Rena Makhmudova, speaking on V Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum, difficulties with public funding, problems with accreditation, development of medical protocols and other aspects should not hinder the important social program. A positive experience was gained abroad, allowing market participants to consider optimistic prospects of CHI, she said.

Recall Law "On Compulsory Medical Insurance" was adopted in 1999, but slowed down, despite the creation in 2009 of the government agencies and mandatory health insurance funds for organizational needs.

According to experts, for the introduction of CHI social reforms are required, including those in the health care system. According to the presidential decree from February 1, 2008, all public health facilities have only nominally free medical services. By January 1, 2014 in the country on the basis of the Ministry of Health 1,734 outpatient clinics and 550 hospitals operated, financed from the state budget. CHI introduction involves paid services and the availability of self-supporting accounts in public health institutions, so that insurers could transfer the money for treatment of the patients, and patients could seek compensation.

Today, in the Ministry of Health there is no competition between private and public organizations – the prices are arbitrary, as well as the quality and range of services.

In Azerbaijan, there are 28 insurance companies, 5 of which traditionally provide services in health insurance. First of all, it is a specialized company A Group and most capitalized company Pasha Sigorta. Also popular in the segment are Bashak Inam Sigorta Shirketi, AXA MBASK and Buta Sigorta. - 17D-