22 AUGUST 2016

Needs for palliative care will be studied in Azerbraijan

The Public Health and Reform Center of the Ministry of Health will study the existing needs for palliative care service in Azerbaijan. Palliative care means an organized system of activities aimed at maintaining the quality of life of patients with incurable, life-threatening and severe illnesses, at the highest possible level of comfort for a given patient.

In the framework of this project, since August 2016, specialists of the Public Health and Reforms Center will conduct surveys in the capital and in seven economic regions of the country (Absheron, Ganja-Gazakh, Lankaran, Aran, Guba-Khachmaz, Sheki-Zagatala and Daglig Shirvan) among the managers of selected medical institutions, doctors, nursing staff, as well as patients and their relatives who can potentially benefit from this care. 

The study, which will last till the end of the year, will identify opportunities and obstacles for establishment of palliative care services. Based on the results of survey it is planned to compile a report including the recommendations of specialists and have discussions with the representatives from relevant institutions of the Ministry of Health, NGOs and other stakeholders. 

It should be noted that this project is implemented in accordance with Articles 9.1.3 and 9.3.1 of the Action Plan of the Ministry of Health for the implementation of the "Strategy to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases in Azerbaijan for 2015-2020" and with Article 3.3.11 of the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategic Plan Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2014-2020.

The full text of the news is available in Azerbaijani.