How it is to live in a country with the index "below average"?

The American Social Progress Imperative Organization named the most socially progressive countries of the world in 2017. In the current ranking, Azerbaijan ranked 76th, demonstrating enviable constancy, once again falling into the category of "Lower Middle" countries. The Social Progress Index (TSPI) for this year is published on the website www.socialprogressindex.com.

A global study on a number of indicators characterizing the quality of life of people covered about 130 countries around the world. Experts assessed the countries by the following criteria: medicine, sanitation, living conditions, education, access to technology, freedom of choice and speech, tolerance and protection of human rights.

The highest scores and, accordingly, the first position is to Denmark. Second comes Finland, which last year was the leader. Iceland closes the top three.

Compared with last year, Azerbaijan only moved one step ahead, still remaining in the same team of relatively disadvantaged countries. The country achieved high indicators (98.42 and 96.18 points, respectively) according to the criteria "access to basic knowledge", "food and basic medical care", but on the "housing", "water supply and sanitation", "personal security" the results are not so comforting - 82,40, 76,97 and 75,10 points, respectively.

However, estimates on the categories of "personal rights" (18.40 points), "tolerance and integration" (39.90 points), "personal freedom and choice" (48.17 points), "access to higher education" (51.53 Points), "the quality of the environment" (59.42 points) is altogether frightening. This means that with the personal rights of citizens, we have a situation like Somalia, and even with tolerance we are not all right, contrary to the statements of the authorities. Access to higher education, judging by the results of research, is limited. Hence, not all school leavers have the opportunity to study at a university, to get a profession. In addition, we do not care about ecology.

The neighboring "corrupt" Armenia scored 69.01 points and took the 59th position in TSPI. The leader in the region was Georgia, ranking 53rd. According to the conclusion of the researchers, in this country the best things are with access to basic education (99.26), nutrition and basic medical care (95.96), water and sanitation (90.26), personal security (82.87) and housing (79,48). The level of access to higher education is 55.8 points, personal freedom and choice - 57.87, the quality of the environment - 58.74 points, health and welfare - 62.85.

Next on the list are Turkey (61st place), Ukraine (64th place), Belarus (65th place), Russia (67th place), Kazakhstan (74th place).

The three outsiders included the Central African Republic (28.38), Afghanistan (35.66) and Chad (35.69). The assessments are based on UN statistics and scientific institutions, the results of surveys and data from international human rights organizations.

An independent expert, candidate of economic sciences Azer Mehdiyev notes, the authorities of Azerbaijan use the GDP per capita indicator, industry growth, etc. for the image and prestige. But it is necessary to separate economic indicators from social ones. Replenishment of the budget does not mean targeting and efficiency of spending.

"The place in the category "below average" in the SPI index and the indicators on the social security of people in the country, clearly show the ineffectiveness of the functioning of this system. In terms of average salaries and pensions, Azerbaijan has the worst indices in the CIS. The weakest link in this system is health care. Insufficient financing, non-transparency of spending allocated funds led to bribes and bribes. Studies have shown that patients from their own pocket pay 75% of their medical expenses, "the expert points out.

The example of Azerbaijan clearly shows that the economic recovery does not always lead to an improvement in the quality of life. In the presence of residential complexes and hotels in resort areas, people cannot relax in their own country. Not everyone can study in high school because of high payment for study. The reason for all this is ineffective financing of the social sphere, corruption. Therefore, in order to improve conditions in the spheres of education, healthcare, protection of labor rights, bribes, a monopoly, liberal reforms in the economy, political freedoms, a normal business climate should be eliminated. But are the current authorities ready for such reforms?