GOOD NEWS for those who want to get free medicine at the pharmacy

The State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance (SACMI) announced plans for the phased implementation of insurance coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. The program will start in 2025 with medications for cardiovascular diseases, and in subsequent years will expand to include medications for treating digestive and respiratory system diseases.

According to SACMI, the corresponding amendments to the Law "On Medical Insurance" were approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the end of last year.

The program implementation will begin in the second half of this year, as it will take about six months to create the necessary mechanisms and fulfill the instructions arising from the law's requirements.

The updated Services Package will specify the main active ingredients and dosages of covered medications. Based on this, a positive list of medicines covered by compulsory medical insurance will be compiled, including their brand names and prices.

The cost of medications will be divided into two parts:

- the amount paid by insurance

- the amount paid by the citizen