WHO praises Azerbaijan's efforts in health, tourism co-op

The World Health Organization (WHO) positively evaluates the measures taken by Azerbaijan to deepen cooperation in the fields of healthcare and the tourism industry, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his video message addressed to the participants of the III International Health Tourism Conference held in Baku, Report informs.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus drew attention to the fact that a growing number of people cross state borders in order to receive quality medical care, undergo rehabilitation, and use wellness services.

As the WHO head emphasized, this trend creates new prospects, but at the same time imposes a serious responsibility. The Director-General of the organization pointed out that the health and safety of citizens must remain a priority regardless of where they receive medical services.

"This implies strict regulation, compliance with high standards of care quality, an appropriate level of medical staff training, and transparency of information, giving patients the opportunity to make informed decisions," he stated.

Ghebreyesus also paid special attention to the importance of continuity of treatment: a patient's journey does not end at the moment of discharge from a medical institution or upon returning to their homeland. That is why healthcare systems and specialized organizations are obliged to coordinate their work to ensure comprehensive follow-up observation and care.

"I am glad that these issues are at the center of your discussions. WHO welcomes Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen interaction between the healthcare and tourism sectors," he added.