Your trusted source

Because of the indifference of Azerbaijani Ministry of Health, private medical centers and dental clinics become a cause of spread of hepatitis, the “Azpolitika.info” site reports.

The healthcare sector in Azerbaijan is one of the most problematic. Most of the professionals have left the country because of low salaries, while others are forced to survive on bribes or part-time work in private clinics.

However, apart from the poor quality service, private clinics are dangerous as they become a source of serious infection. The main reason for the sharp increase in the number of patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Azerbaijan is unsanitary conditions in healthcare institutions.

Azerbaijan does not keep records of patients with hepatitis, which makes it impossible to give the exact number of patients and bearer of the virus. According to the international organizations there are about 850-900 thousand people infected with hepatitis B virus in Azerbaijan.

"In Azerbaijan, the cost of treating hepatitis is 15-20 thousand manats (AZN 1 = about 1 euro. - Approximately), which creates a favorable environment for the spread of the virus. The cost of drugs varies between 180-300 manats. In Azerbaijan, patients are treated at their own expense. The state does not allocate funds for treatment of hepatitis. Due to the lack of professionals, the patients go to Iran and Turkey, which only increases the cost of treatment," says the site.