Despite the fact that examinations and operations are carried out free of charge within the framework of medical insurance in state hospitals in Azerbaijan, the fact that some medicines prescribed to patients are not included in the insurance package has caused discussions among citizens. An official response was given to the inquiry addressed to the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance (SACMI) regarding the topic.
The Agency informed Modern.az that currently all medicines and medical supplies used during examinations and treatments carried out within the framework of compulsory medical insurance in stationary (in-patient) conditions are completely free of charge:
"Medicines, medical supplies and even daily nutrition used during treatment carried out in stationary conditions based on medical indications and doctor's referral are included in the compulsory medical insurance coverage and no payment is required from citizens for this".
In addition, the institution announced that an important step will be taken to expand the insurance package for outpatient (home-prescribed) treatments. According to the official statement of SACMI, free medicine provision will be started in outpatient conditions in the near future:
"Based on the prescription written by the doctor in outpatient conditions, it is planned to cover the provision of medicines, primarily for cardiovascular diseases, with compulsory medical insurance".
