BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Azerbaijan’s
healthcare system is being modernized based on digital
transformation and international quality standards.
This was reported by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Health Teymur
Musayev in a joint interview with Azerbaijan Television’s “Hadaf”
program and Trend
News Agency.
He noted that the accreditation of medical institutions in
Azerbaijan is aimed at fostering a new culture of healthcare
delivery.
According to the minister, the Center for Accreditation of
Medical Institutions and Quality Control was established under the
Ministry of Health by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on
May 15, 2024.
The main objective of the center is to safeguard and ensure the
quality and safety of healthcare services provided to the
population, as well as to continuously improve and maintain the
standards of medical services delivered by healthcare
institutions.
“The Center for Accreditation of Medical Institutions and
Quality Control was established under the Ministry of Health by the
decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated May 15, 2024. The center’s
main objective is to preserve and ensure the quality and safety of
healthcare services provided to the public, while continuously
improving and maintaining the quality of medical services delivered
by these institutions. Naturally, healthcare services consist of
several components. The first thing that comes to mind is the
structure of a medical institution, the standards applied there,
and whether those standards are being properly followed.
This also includes monitoring the organization of medical
processes, ensuring the quality and proper use of medicines, and
overseeing whether surgical procedures, medical interventions, and
treatment methods comply with established standards.
It also involves assessing whether medical personnel have the
necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to properly follow
approved methodologies. All of these elements together determine
whether healthcare services meet modern medical standards.”
The minister noted that different approaches to healthcare
accreditation and quality control exist around the world.
“There are countries that do not have dedicated institutional
bodies responsible for accrediting healthcare facilities and
overseeing quality. Instead, they rely on various private companies
to carry out these functions.
The approach adopted in Azerbaijan is different. From the
perspective of public responsibility, it represents a more
comprehensive approach aimed at protecting citizens from
non-standard medical procedures that do not meet modern
requirements.
The institution that has been established is currently
developing the necessary supporting systems to ensure these
processes. This includes developing treatment methods and protocols
for different diseases, as well as standardizing the assessment of
medical professionals’ knowledge and practical skills.
Establishing hospital processes based on clear standards and
monitoring their quality are also integral parts of this approach.
At first glance, this may appear to be only about inspections and
administrative measures. However, that is not the case. The goal is
to establish a new culture of healthcare delivery. It is primarily
a support mechanism, with patient safety as its main objective.
Ultimately, patient safety means ensuring the safety of every
citizen.
This is such a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional process
that it cannot be limited to the work of a single center. Other
institutions under the Ministry of Health are also involved, and
all of them are working toward a common goal: ensuring that every
Azerbaijani citizen receives safe and high-quality medical care at
healthcare facilities.”
Musayev added that coordination mechanisms in this area have
already been established, while processes are being digitalized
based on modern management principles.
“These processes are being implemented through standardized
process management approaches, and they are also being digitalized.
In the future, we are preparing to integrate all processes into a
unified digital healthcare ecosystem. Naturally, when an
Azerbaijani citizen enters any licensed and accredited medical
institution, they should be able to fully trust their health to the
doctors and medical professionals working there.”
Certification of healthcare professionals is not a
punitive mechanism but a tool for professional
development
According to the minister, the certification process for medical
professionals, which has been widely discussed in society, should
not be viewed as a punitive or pressure mechanism. Its main purpose
is to ensure the continuous professional development of healthcare
workers and improve the quality of medical services provided to the
population.
“You are absolutely right to point this out. This issue had been
the subject of extensive discussion within the medical community
for a long time. The position of the Ministry of Health has always
been consistent. Our main goal is to ensure that healthcare
professionals working in Azerbaijan have access to proper
continuous medical education, create opportunities for ongoing
professional development, and ultimately guarantee that our people
and citizens receive high-quality medical services.
The certification exam itself is not a form of punishment,
pressure, or an attempt to create difficulties for anyone.
Naturally, there are people who feel anxious about taking exams or
experience psychological challenges, and we understand that as
well. Even during the period when discussions around the
certification process among healthcare professionals were at their
most intense, the pass rate for the certification exam stood at
97%. In other words, the public debate was much louder than the
actual issue itself.
At the same time, conducting an exam once every five years
allows us to assess a person's knowledge and skills, but it does
not necessarily help improve them. Therefore, the Ministry of
Health, as a central executive authority responsible for protecting
the health of Azerbaijani citizens, introduced a new
initiative.
As you know, amendments were recently made to the Law of the
Republic of Azerbaijan ‘On the Protection of Public Health’. Under
these amendments, in addition to taking the certification exam
every five years, doctors and other healthcare professionals will
now have another option. They will also be able to obtain
certification by accumulating at least 250 credits over a five-year
period through the Continuous Professional Development program,” he
noted.
Teymur Musayev said that the Ministry of Health regularly
updates the certification question database, and a new digital
solution in this area will be introduced soon.
“The Ministry of Health regularly updates the question database.
It incorporates more modern approaches and information on the
latest treatment methods. A digital innovation in this area will
also be introduced soon. For specialists who do not have the time
or opportunity to collect an average of 50 credit points annually
due to their intensive workload, and who prefer to take the exam
instead, a dedicated application will be launched. The application
will include the entire question database. There is nothing that
needs to be hidden here. Knowledge should not be restricted; on the
contrary, it should be promoted and shared.
Each question in the database will include the correct answer,
along with an academic explanation. This means users will not only
see which answer is correct, but also understand why it is correct,
with a full academic explanation provided without the need to
search for additional sources,” he emphasized.
Medical Digital Twin System puts Azerbaijan among global
leaders in digital healthcare
The minister said that, as part of ongoing healthcare reforms,
significant efforts are being made to assess doctors’ knowledge and
skills, support continuous professional development, and accelerate
the digital transformation of the healthcare system.
“This will happen in the near future. Work in this area is
already underway. Let me provide some key details: we have obtained
question banks covering 65 medical specialties. These are based on
the well-known Board Exam system used in the United States. We have
officially acquired the questions for these 65 specialties. They
have been translated into Azerbaijani, and the examination modules
are being developed based on these materials.
Naturally, questions aligned with our own curriculum have also
been added. There are no difficulties in this regard. On the
contrary, this is simply a supportive mechanism. I would like to
reiterate that examinations have their own role, but we would very
much like our specialists to actively participate in Continuous
Professional Development programs, earn credit points, and stay
closer to new knowledge and modern approaches,” he noted.
Teymur Musayev noted that digitalization has become one of the
key priorities in all sectors, including healthcare, and that the
projects being implemented in this field could mark the beginning
of a new phase for Azerbaijan’s healthcare system.
“The Ministry of Health is continuously working on the digital
transformation of Azerbaijan’s healthcare system. As a logical
outcome of these efforts, the presentation of the Medical Digital
Twin System was held last month at the Gulustan Palace, with the
participation of government representatives and the broader medical
community.
As you know, digital technologies and artificial intelligence
are fundamentally transforming the work of professionals across
almost all sectors today. Healthcare, as an integral part of this
broader landscape, is also actively participating in the digital
transformation process.
Digitalization is not simply about introducing technical
solutions or software systems; it represents a new healthcare
culture. In this regard, the implementation of the Medical Digital
Twin System has placed Azerbaijan among the world’s 20 leading
countries in this field, while the country ranks among the top ten
globally in terms of the data exchange standards being used.
The Medical Digital Twin System is a unified digital platform.
It contains all medical information collected about an individual
from the moment of birth until the end of their life. At the same
time, this platform is not merely a database—it is also a
healthcare services platform. It includes features such as booking
medical appointments, medication tracking, reminder systems,
telemedicine services, and even tools that allow parents to monitor
their children’s health status.
We see three main user groups benefiting from this platform. The
first group is, naturally, our citizens. Regardless of which
medical institution they visit, their health records will be
collected within a single platform. Even while abroad, they will be
able to provide this information to medical professionals anywhere
in the world and receive consultations regarding their health. The
second group is healthcare professionals. The system will enable
doctors to make a more accurate, objective, and comprehensive
assessment of each patient’s health condition. The third group is
government representatives. The collected data will expand
opportunities for making strategic decisions. Authorities will gain
access to objective information on the future development and
spread of infectious and non-communicable diseases among the
population, as well as trends related to specific health
conditions.
Based on this information, important strategic decisions can be
made. Therefore, I encourage every citizen to actively join this
platform and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the
Medical Digital Twin System,” he noted.
Modern healthcare infrastructure being developed in
liberated territories
According to the minister, one of the key priorities of the
large-scale reconstruction and redevelopment efforts in
Azerbaijan’s liberated territories is the creation of modern
healthcare infrastructure.
“This is a very important issue. An integral part of rebuilding
the settlements, cities, and villages that are being restored from
the ground up for our compatriots returning to their native lands
following their liberation by our victorious Armed Forces under the
leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the establishment
of a healthcare system in these areas. When we talk about the
healthcare system, we mean everything from primary healthcare
services to the construction of secondary-level hospitals. Primary
healthcare facilities include rural medical posts, doctors’
offices, family health centers, and district central hospitals. The
Ministry of Health is responsible for the construction of eight
district central hospitals and ten specialized medical centers.
Once completed, these facilities will be transferred to the
Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) and made
available to serve the population.
Our first project was implemented in Shusha. As you know, the
Shusha Medical and Health Center has been built and commissioned.
This is a unique facility. The center has a total capacity of 90
beds, including 50 general hospital beds. These cover surgical,
maternity, and pediatric departments. In addition, the center will
provide sanatorium and rehabilitation services, with 40 beds
specifically allocated for this purpose.
During the Soviet period, Shusha was home to the well-known
Turshsu sanatorium, which became a place where many people sought
treatment and recovery. It was decided that these services should
also be provided at the Shusha Medical and Health Center, ensuring
accessibility for our citizens and allowing people to benefit from
the healing properties of the famous Turshsu springs. The hospital
is already operational, and we believe it will reach full capacity
in a short period of time,” he said.
Organ donation system in Azerbaijan operates through
fully transparent mechanisms
According to the minister, the Organ Donation and
Transplantation Coordination Center was established under the
Ministry of Health by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on
December 8, 2020. The center is responsible for organizing organ
donation and transplantation services in Azerbaijan and ensuring
that the system operates in a fully transparent manner.
“Based on the decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on
December 8, 2020, the Organ Donation and Transplantation
Coordination Center was established under the Ministry of Health of
the Republic of Azerbaijan. This institutional body is responsible
for organizing organ donation and transplantation services in our
country. I would particularly like to emphasize that the existence
of such an institution allows these services to be provided in
Azerbaijan with full transparency. Since the very first day of its
establishment, a number of important measures have been implemented
to build this system.
First and foremost, around ten state registries have been
created and put into operation. I would like to mention several of
them: the registry of individuals willing to become voluntary
donors, the registry of medical institutions engaged in organ
donation and transplantation, the registry of specialists working
at these institutions, and the registry of coordinators responsible
for managing these processes. All of these subsystems are
mechanisms that currently ensure the accessibility and proper
functioning of organ donation services in Azerbaijan,” he
mentioned.
The minister stressed that organ donation in Azerbaijan is
organized in an open and transparent manner.
“Organ donation in our country is organized in a transparent and
open manner. There is an Ethics Commission operating under the
Ministry of Health on a public basis. Every patient in need of an
organ transplant and every donor must undergo a review by this
commission. Once the transparency of the process and its compliance
with legislation are confirmed, transplant procedures are carried
out by our specialists. As a result of awareness campaigns, nearly
1,700 people in Azerbaijan have officially declared their
willingness to become voluntary donors and have registered
accordingly. This figure continues to grow steadily. We are truly
pleased to see the active and conscious participation of our
citizens and society in this process,” he added.
The minister said that one of the key areas of activity of the
Coordination Center is raising public awareness, and that these
efforts now cover all regions of the country.
“One of the main areas of activity of the Coordination Center
you mentioned is precisely the implementation of awareness
campaigns. These initiatives are not limited to Baku; they are
being conducted across almost all regions of the country. Awareness
programs are mainly organized in schools, universities, and
colleges. We want to help shape the mindset of the younger
generation. Indeed, if a person can save someone else’s life or
extend someone’s life by donating their organs after death, there
can hardly be a greater mission.
According to statistics from last year, a total of 352
transplant operations were performed. Of these, 111 involved
corneal transplants, including 24 procedures carried out using
corneas from deceased donors. A total of 104 kidney transplants
were performed in the country, 17 of which involved organs obtained
from deceased donors. In addition, 58 liver transplants were
carried out, including 10 made possible through deceased donors. To
date, three heart transplant operations have been performed in
Azerbaijan. At the same time, 77 bone marrow transplants have been
carried out. Of these, 36 were performed in Azerbaijan, while 41
were conducted in Türkiye under various state programs.
Overall, Azerbaijan is a regional leader in this field. Our
specialists have already proven this in practice. Many significant
milestones in transplantation have been achieved in Azerbaijan.
These include kidney transplantation from deceased donors and liver
transplantation from deceased donors. The most important
achievement, however, is heart transplantation, which remains one
of the most complex and significant procedures for any physician
and healthcare professional. All three of these types of
transplantation have already been performed in Azerbaijan, and we
are a regional leader in this area,” he added.
Musayev emphasized the importance of these achievements,
particularly heart transplantation, from a social perspective.
“I would especially highlight heart transplantation as the
highest point of these achievements. The reason is that this
process is perceived differently by society. It demonstrates that
our society is becoming more open to such developments and that
citizens understand and accept this process in the right way. We
have repeatedly witnessed situations where even families of
patients in terminal conditions supported this process. On the one
hand, there is naturally grief; on the other hand, there is a sense
of hope and even joy. When people donate their organs, it
represents a unique mission—a deeply human mission. We believe that
the number of such cases will continue to increase,” he
emphasized.
The minister also noted that work is being carried out not only
in the field of donor transplantation but also in the development
of artificial organs using modern technologies. “As you know,
research is also underway on the development of artificial organs
using advanced technologies. Some of these solutions are already
undergoing trials, even if only as temporary options. We believe
that significant breakthroughs will be achieved in this area in the
near future, and our population will also benefit from these
advances,” he said.
Speaking about the effectiveness of organ transplantation,
Musayev said that current success rates in this field are very
high. According to him, thanks to modern medicines and proper
donor-organ matching and transplantation procedures, recipients can
live for many years after surgery.
“We are talking about survival periods exceeding decades. I
would also like to particularly emphasize that the first Eye Bank
in the region was established at the National Ophthalmology Center
named after Academician Zarifa Aliyeva. Corneas obtained from
deceased donors are received there, evaluated, processed, and then
transplanted to citizens in need. In other words, this process is
becoming faster, and the necessary infrastructure is fully in
place. As a result, access to such complex procedures and treatment
methods, which require strong institutional support, has increased
significantly,” he noted.
A Cell Therapy Center is being established in
Azerbaijan
Minister of Health Teymur Musayev also spoke about ongoing
developments in the healthcare sector and upcoming innovations. He
noted that Azerbaijan has introduced a number of important
advancements in medicine in recent years.
“First of all, I would like to mention the Department of
Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Scientific
Surgery Center named after Academician Topchubashov, which has been
renovated and reopened to serve our population. Another important
development is the Clinic of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive
Surgery at the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for
Doctors named after Academician Aziz Aliyev. The clinic has
undergone major renovations, has been equipped with
state-of-the-art medical technologies, and has already started
operations. The clinic performs highly complex reconstructive
procedures. These include surgeries required after severe burns and
extensive surgical interventions.
Meanwhile, the department established at the Scientific Surgery
Center that I mentioned earlier has already achieved several
regional milestones in maxillofacial surgery, including complex
reconstructive facial and jaw procedures. We created these two
centers with the goal of establishing them as clinical training
bases where our residents can receive high-quality education and
practical training in these specialties under appropriate
conditions.
Another important development is the establishment of the
Department of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery at the
Research Institute of Cardiology. Further modernization work is
continuously underway at the institute, with new equipment being
purchased and installed. I believe we will achieve another
significant milestone in the near future. We will share details
with you once the time comes, and you will also be invited to the
opening ceremony.
Another area I would like to highlight is cell therapy, which is
being actively introduced around the world and is recognized as a
highly promising treatment approach for a number of serious
diseases. We are currently establishing a cell therapy center in
Azerbaijan together with our Chinese colleagues. We believe that
our local specialists will also make an important contribution to
this process. It is particularly encouraging that many of our
citizens who studied abroad have returned to Azerbaijan. They are
not only practicing physicians; many of them also hold academic
degrees in the field of cell therapy. The necessary infrastructure
is currently being developed, and once the center becomes
operational, it will offer new hope for people suffering from
conditions such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, and multiple
sclerosis. I believe that Azerbaijan will also achieve a regional
first in this area,” he emphasized.
Musayev also returned to the issue of transplantation and
highlighted Azerbaijan’s international initiative in this
field.
“When we were discussing transplantation, there was one point I
did not mention, and I believe it is important to add it.
Azerbaijan has also launched an international initiative in the
field of transplantation. This is the creation of a unified
information platform called ‘Turk Transplant’ among member states
of the Organization of Turkic States and countries participating as
observers. This initiative was proposed by Azerbaijan in 2023 and
received very positive feedback from all brotherly countries.
Important steps have already been taken to launch the platform,
ensure its operation in accordance with international law and
standards, and establish proper cross-border data exchange
mechanisms. The combined population of the participating member and
observer countries exceeds 170 million people. At the initial
stage, the platform is expected to focus primarily on creating a
unified registry of recipients in need of bone marrow transplants
and potential donors. Following the launch of the first exchanges,
cross-matching transplantation involving solid organs is planned at
the next stage. I believe this initiative will play an exceptional
role in further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and
solidarity among brotherly countries,” he said.
The minister said that the opening of the cell therapy center is
not expected to take place earlier than a year and a half from now:
“Certain steps need to be completed before that. A pilot
implementation may be possible, but this requires a comprehensive
approach. The issue is not only whether the necessary technical
infrastructure exists. It is equally important that the
professionals working there operate according to unified standards.
Any new treatment method must be introduced in safe and responsible
hands so that public confidence can grow and we can achieve
genuinely positive outcomes.”
Diploma course in Chinese and Korean medicine to be
launched in Azerbaijan
Minister Teymur Musayev also discussed traditional medicine.
According to him, the issue is not about rejecting the past or any
particular treatment approach, but rather about applying methods
that have a scientific evidence base.
“Traditional medicine has a history spanning thousands of years.
Over the past decade, medicine has increasingly embraced an
approach known as integrative medicine. Later, the term functional
medicine also became widely used, but the concept of integrative
medicine remains extremely important. It represents a different
culture of healthcare practice. The issue is not rejecting the past
or any particular method, but applying such approaches based on
scientific evidence.
When some people refer to traditional medicine, they may mean
various folk remedies, and I will not comment on that, as it is a
separate issue. However, when we talk about traditional medicine,
traditional Chinese medicine has proven its effectiveness in a
number of areas and has demonstrated value both in treating certain
diseases and in preventive healthcare approaches. Traditional
Korean medicine and other forms of Eastern traditional medicine are
also part of this field. Azerbaijan is also an integral part of
this process. I would particularly emphasize that Azerbaijan’s
medical community has always been open to such approaches, which is
a positive development. As the Ministry of Health, we have taken
steps in this direction, and preparations are currently underway to
organize a diploma course in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the
Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors named
after Academician Aziz Aliyev, in cooperation with Beijing
University of Chinese Medicine in the People’s Republic of China.
The course will be conducted in English and will be open not only
to Azerbaijani doctors but also to foreign physicians from the
region and internationally. The duration of the program may be one
or two years.
A similar approach applies to traditional Korean medicine.
Negotiations are currently underway with relevant Korean
authorities, and this program will also be introduced in Azerbaijan
in the near future. I believe these courses will be of interest to
family physicians working in Azerbaijan, medical professionals with
basic medical training, and specialists from various fields. They
will enrich the methods used in their daily practice, expand
treatment options, and create additional opportunities for our
citizens to benefit from different approaches. These methods are
particularly widely and effectively used in areas such as
rehabilitation, chronic diseases, chronic pain management, and
other fields.
Phytotherapy, or treatment using medicinal plants, is also
included in this area. This represents a comprehensive approach. It
would be incorrect to deny these methods. There is public interest
in them, and in order to ensure that they are applied safely, they
should be practiced by individuals with proper medical education.
For those who already have medical training and a professional
specialization, this can become an additional tool to strengthen
their practice. Azerbaijan already has its own specialists in this
field, and a certain professional school has been established.
There are experts working both in the private and public sectors.
We believe that involving them in this process will help elevate
Azerbaijan’s traditional medicine expertise to a new level,” he
said.
Promoting healthy lifestyles is a key healthcare
priority
The minister also highlighted the growing importance of
promoting healthy lifestyles, noting that this is directly among
the responsibilities of the Ministry of Health.
“This is an integral part of Azerbaijan’s Social and Economic
Development Strategy for 2022–2026, and this area has been directly
assigned to the Ministry of Health — ensuring the promotion of
healthy lifestyles among the population. That is why, through close
cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Healthy Radio 93 FM,
which is well known to the public, this initiative has reached a
new level. The radio station launched its first broadcast on June
3, 2024. Since then, it has been on air regularly five days a
week.
There are two main daily programs: ‘Healthy Morning’, broadcast
from 08:00 to 10:00, and ‘Healthy Life’, broadcast from 18:00 to
20:00. In addition, a segment called ‘Healthy News’ is aired at the
end of each hour. I believe the number of listeners and followers
is significant. These programs feature our medical experts, leading
specialists from research institutes, and even heads of those
institutions. Through these programs, we provide the public with
accurate, scientifically based information about healthy
lifestyles.
As you know, modern media has developed rapidly. Today, almost
anyone can reach a large audience, regardless of whether they have
sufficient expertise. If people trust that audience, they must also
understand the responsibility that comes with providing information
and ensuring its accuracy. That is why Healthy Radio invites only
professional experts who understand their field and have dedicated
many years of their careers to healthcare. The information they
provide is scientifically grounded. Whether we are talking about
healthy nutrition, physical activity, exercise, everyday hygiene
practices, or other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, all such
information should be communicated to the public on a scientific
basis. I would particularly emphasize that the radio does not
broadcast advertisements for medicines, medical services, or
healthcare centers during commercial breaks. This is prohibited.
These programs are exclusively dedicated to promoting healthy
lifestyles.
The station has been operating for two years and has built a
broad audience. When it marked its first anniversary, I personally
visited the studio as a guest and witnessed the enthusiasm and
interest surrounding the project. I believe that, thanks to the
information provided by the radio and broadcast across all regions
of the country, we will continue to see citizens taking a more
conscious, serious, and responsible approach to their health.
People should view their health as the greatest and most valuable
asset they possess and take steps to preserve and improve it.
Naturally, the Ministry of Health, medical institutions, doctors,
and healthcare professionals are fulfilling their responsibilities,
but every citizen must also take personal responsibility for
protecting their own health,” he mentioned.
New healthcare requires training a new generation of
medical professionals
The Minister of Health also spoke about the application of
artificial intelligence in healthcare. He noted that robotic
surgery was performed for the first time in Azerbaijan and the
region at the National Oncology Center, with the operation carried
out while Azerbaijani surgeons were present on site and their
colleagues participated remotely from China:
“Healthcare and medical services are entering a new era. This
new healthcare environment requires the training of a new
generation of medical professionals. In this regard, medical
colleges, medical universities and medical faculties operating in
our country have played and will continue to play an exceptional
role. It is not easy to predict what a healthcare professional of
tomorrow will look like or what skills they will need. The key
requirement is that they must be open and ready for change.
Therefore, all of the institutions I mentioned are creating
conditions not only for learning about IT technologies used in
medicine, but also for acquiring fundamental IT knowledge.
At the same time, we need to establish applied science centers
and laboratories so that, through the integration of applied
science with the educational process, we can train specialists who
are fully open to innovation. In my view, this should not be
limited to departments or research laboratories within
universities. We need to pursue this through international
cooperation. That is why the Ministry of Health is consistently
working to establish direct links between our medical institutions
and leading global centers of medical science. These include joint
programs and joint research projects.
Another important issue is artificial intelligence. Yes,
artificial intelligence is a tool that is continuously improving.
When used properly, this tool can help improve the quality of
healthcare services and ensure that treatment methods and other
measures aimed at protecting public health are implemented in a
safe and reliable manner.
At the same time, it is a tool that requires a high level of
responsibility from us. We must not overlook the human factor. I
believe that human interaction and the trust one person places in
another are fundamental aspects of human nature. It is possible
that one day artificial intelligence will reach a level where its
actions will require clear legal and ethical frameworks. This is
inevitable.
From this perspective, the field we are discussing today may
become one of the first areas requiring such a comprehensive
approach. Education is perhaps another key area. These two sectors
must address this issue very seriously.
Every country has its own culture, heritage, traditions and
ethical standards. These characteristics are unique. I am not
saying that we should resist change; globalization is taking place,
and this is clear. However, we must also preserve these distinctive
features. When it comes to healthcare, I repeat that artificial
intelligence is a unique tool. If applied correctly, I believe it
opens up unprecedented opportunities. We must remain open to it,”
the minister concluded.
