Ukraine and Azerbaijan deepen cooperation in healthcare: intergovernmental agreement and three memoranda between institutions signed

A Ukrainian delegation led by Minister of Health Viktor Liashko paid a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. The delegation also included the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance, Mykhailo Radutskyi; the Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine, Edem Adamanov; and the heads of leading medical institutions: the National Cancer Institute, the National Specialised Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt”, and Kharkiv National Medical University.

During the two-day visit, the Ukrainian delegation held a series of meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, representatives of parliament, and the medical community. The primary focus was on developing intergovernmental dialogue, strengthening partnerships between the medical institutions of the two countries, and identifying priority areas for joint projects in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Thus, during the meeting of the Ministers of Health of Ukraine and Azerbaijan, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare and Medical Science was signed.

“The signing of this Agreement lays the foundation for systematic cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in the field of healthcare and medical science. It opens new opportunities for the development of joint projects, exchange of experience, investment, and educational initiatives. This is about practical steps that will benefit our citizens and strengthen the capacity of the healthcare systems of both countries,” said the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko.

The Agreement establishes a new stage of practical cooperation between the ministries and defines its key areas: the pharmaceutical sector, control and prevention of infectious diseases, medical education, training and internship programmes, digital transformation, international medical partnerships, attraction of investment in medical infrastructure, and development of medical management.

In addition, during the meeting, a number of agreements were concluded at the level of medical institutions aimed at strengthening horizontal cooperation in paediatrics, oncology, and medical education. These partnerships will facilitate the exchange of experience, professional development of medical staff, implementation of best practices, and improvement of quality systems in healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, on the first day of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation participated in the 27th Azerbaijan International Medical Innovations Exhibition. As part of the event, the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Pharmaceutical Dialogue took place (a platform for discussing prospects for sectoral cooperation between the countries). During the meeting, the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, emphasised readiness to deepen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sphere.

“The Ukrainian pharmaceutical sector has considerable potential. Our manufacturers are reliable partners offering the world high-quality, effective, and safe medicines. Thanks to the implementation of European requirements, modern competitive pharmaceutical plants operate in Ukraine, the range of medicines is constantly expanding, and domestic enterprises produce a wide spectrum of generic drugs in accordance with European quality standards. We are open to cooperation and seek to develop joint ventures and pharmaceutical industrial parks. This will create new opportunities for innovation, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan,” noted the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko.

The parties also expressed interest in strengthening pharmaceutical partnership, primarily in regulatory cooperation, the creation of joint production facilities, and the development of exports. In this context, the significant potential of Ukrainian manufacturers was highlighted: Ukrainian products are already actively represented on the Azerbaijani market, including biological, cardiovascular, antibacterial, and antiviral preparations.

At the same time, Ukraine is also considering the possibility of utilising Azerbaijan’s logistical potential as a regional hub for supplies to the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, with the prospect of establishing warehouses, laboratories, and joint production facilities.

In addition, during the meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the participants discussed areas of investment cooperation, the development of joint production, and the participation of Azerbaijani companies in pharmaceutical projects in Ukraine, as well as the expansion of opportunities for mutual supply of medicines and medical devices. Minister Viktor Liashko thanked the Azerbaijani side for its comprehensive support to Ukraine during the wartime period, in particular for assistance in the restoration of the city of Irpin and the repair of Irpin Central City Hospital.

Ukraine greatly values Azerbaijan’s humanitarian aid, the total volume of which has already exceeded USD 44 million.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine will continue its work to expand international partnerships aimed at strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system, developing medical infrastructure, and implementing innovative solutions.