On May 5, an international event titled “The Pharmaceutical Industry of Azerbaijan: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, organized by the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Hungary in Azerbaijan.

The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country.

Afterward, a video dedicated to the history of the pharmaceutical industry in Azerbaijan was presented.

In his opening speech at the event, Minister of Health Teymur Musayev emphasized the significance of the event dedicated to the development of Azerbaijan's pharmaceutical industry on the eve of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s birthday. According to him, the production of iodine and endocrine medications has held a special place in the history of Azerbaijan’s pharmaceutical industry:

"In 1934, a special laboratory was established in Baku for the production of various preparations from Naftalan oil — the world’s only therapeutic oil — followed by the establishment of the Naftalan plant. At the end of 1938, the Azerbaijan State Pharmaceutical Institute was founded, and its rector was appointed as the prominent statesman, Professor Aziz Aliyev. During those years, pharmaceutical industry enterprises such as the Baku Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant and the Endocrine Preparations Plant were created."

The establishment of the first pharmaceutical production facilities during the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was especially highlighted:

"To form the legislative framework for the pharmaceutical industry, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan 'On Pharmaceutical Activity' was adopted, and the 'Concept for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry in the Republic of Azerbaijan' was prepared."

"Modern Azerbaijan is developing comprehensively thanks to the farsighted policy, wise leadership, and tireless efforts of President Ilham Aliyev. During these years, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan 'On Medicinal Products' — which defines the legal and organizational basis for the handling of medicines and medical products — has been adopted. Industrial parks enabling the production of highly competitive products through the application of modern technologies have been launched, and legislative incentives have been introduced to promote local production," the minister stated.

According to him, amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Medicinal Products" have reduced the duration of the specialized examination conducted for the state registration of medicinal products to 90 calendar days.

In his speech, the minister noted that recent reform measures in national legislation and the creation of a favorable business environment are aimed at meeting domestic demand for pharmaceutical products and increasing export potential in the future: "The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Azerbaijan Medical University has become a leading scientific research center in the pharmaceutical field in the country. The memoranda of cooperation signed with Hungary’s Semmelweis and Pécs Universities aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as to enhance the professional training of academic staff."

Teymur Musayev also stated that a working group established within the Ministry of Health last year has developed the "Concept for the Development of Pharmaceutical Education."

In his speech, Hungary’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to our country, Tamás József Torma, emphasized that pharmaceuticals are a key component of Hungarian-Azerbaijani cooperation, accounting for 49 percent of Hungary’s exports to Azerbaijan: “The pharmaceutical plant Scandens will begin local production of medicines in Azerbaijan for the first time, including well-known Hungarian medications. The company Gedeon Richter will begin contract manufacturing in collaboration with Scandens Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. This conference clearly demonstrates Hungary’s desire to contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s pharmaceutical industry. The University of Pécs and Azerbaijan Medical University intend to start cooperation in training Azerbaijani pharmaceutical specialists.”

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance, Zaur Aliyev, stated that the pharmaceutical industry is a strategic partner in the development of healthcare and in protecting public health. He noted that the development of this sector in Azerbaijan has a direct impact on public health, medical innovation, disease prevention, and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life.

First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnur Aliyev, noted that by order of the President, the Pirallahi Industrial Park, specializing in the production of pharmaceutical products, was established on 30 hectares of land. He said that Pirallahi Industrial Park has been equipped with the necessary infrastructure for entrepreneurial activity. These projects aim to develop the pharmaceutical industry and increase local production.

In his speech, Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority, Valeh Alasgarov, spoke about the zone’s investment and trade opportunities. According to him, several pharmaceutical factories are planned to be constructed and commissioned in the Alat Free Economic Zone.

Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, Orkhan Mammadov, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the main pillars of the modern healthcare system. He emphasized that National Leader Heydar Aliyev paid special attention to the development of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry during his leadership of the republic, and today, this sector continues to receive strong state support at the highest level.

In turn, Head of Department of Hungary’s National Health Insurance Fund, Akos Karsai; Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Pécs, András Fittler; and Commercial Director of Egis, Csaba Pacz, all noted that as global demand for effective healthcare solutions increases, the pharmaceutical industry stands at the forefront of addressing the challenges of the time.

During the event, Deputy Minister of Justice Abiddin Huseynov presented the Certificate of State Registration for the “Azerbaijan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association” Public Union to the association’s founder, Kushvar Khudadatova.

Afterward, extensive discussions were held around the presentations, and questions related to the topic were answered.