Country intends to simplify registration of medicines at customs points

It is necessary to simplify the registration and customs clearance of medicines imported into the country, and there is a need to study and apply international experience.

Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov made the remarks during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers devoted to simplifying the rules of registration, delivery to the country and registration of medicines at customs points.

At the meeting chaired by Ali Ahmadov, the leaders and representatives of relevant state structures held discussions.

Addressing the event Ahmadov stressed that the relevant structures came up with a number of new proposals in order to replenish the range of preparations of the drug market in Azerbaijan, providing citizens with quality medicine, and strengthening the control over quality of medicines.

“The availability of any kind of medicines in Azerbaijan will give impetus to the development of our health care. I believe that access to the drug market is essential. On the other hand, the import of medicines should be based on criteria referring to medicines recommended by WHO, the whole import procedure should be seriously simplified. To this end, the State Customs Committee, based on world experience, should come up with new proposals. At the same time, the Ministry of Healthcare should strengthen the control over the quality of medicines. I am confident that changes in the legislation based on these proposals will serve both to the convenience and health of our citizens,” said Ahmadov.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev, Minister of Healthcare Ogtay Shiraliyev and other heads of the relevant structures noted that they will make new proposals in the near future based on the world experience in this field.

In late 2015, the government announced that Azerbaijan will create its own enterprises that will manufacture medicines to cease dependence on imports. Today, the local market of medicines is heavily dependent on imports.

To this end, the Pirallahi Industrial Park is established by the order of President Ilham Aliyev “On Establishment of Pirallahi Industrial Park” dated September 14, 2016.

Currently, three pharmaceutical plants are being constructed in the Pirallahi Industrial Park.