Press Review 31.08.17

Expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline, medical expenses of the population, and dissatisfaction of employers with university graduates are the leading topics of today's press.

The Azerbaijan writes about the approach to the completion of works on the expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline, which will take gas from the Shah Deniz-2 field. Further the author narrates about some details of the project.

The Novoye Vremya published an article entitled The Azerbaijanis Pay the Lion"s Share of Health Care Expenses on Their Own. Despite the optimistic statements by officials that medicine is free in Azerbaijan, statistics show a graphic picture of the state"s concern for the health of citizens. So, in order to provide medicines for the country's population, the amount in the state budget is between $ 100-110 million in the recent years, which is a little more than $ 10 per capita. Up to 70% of health care costs are paid by citizens themselves.

The Echo published an article under the title Employers in Azerbaijan Complain about Graduates of Universities. The level of knowledge of graduates has significantly decreased. Employers find it difficult to find the necessary personnel, so business does not want to cooperate with Azerbaijani universities.

It is very important to adapt curricula to the demands of the labor market, because a huge number of graduates cannot find a job in the future. But the number of graduate financiers is growing every year. Employers constantly complain that university graduates do not meet the minimum requirements. These complaints sound from any industry. Canceling the existing test system is not a solution. We need radical reform in the education system. Only in this way can employers be interested in cooperating with universities. Meanwhile, state and private companies do not want to cooperate with Azerbaijani universities. The exception is the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, which actively cooperates with SOCAR enterprises.