There were 105 scheduled inspections and 5 unscheduled ones.

As a result of the inspections, various deficiencies were identified at 26 pharmacies. In connection with these violations, relevant administrative protocols were drawn up in accordance with Articles 215.4, 452.1, 452.2, 452.3 and 452.4 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The event was attended by Chingiz Shukurov, Head of the Laboratory for Expertise and Quality Control of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products of the Analytical Expertise Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss modern approaches and international practices in the field of quality control of medicinal products, facilitate the exchange of experience among the national regulatory authorities of Central Asian countries, and share information on modern analytical methods and technologies applied in quality control processes.

As part of the event, presentations were delivered on the activities of the United States Pharmacopeia, recent developments introduced by the Pharmacopeia, and approaches used in the quality control of medicinal products. Particular attention was paid to the importance of USP Reference Standards in assessing the quality parameters of medicinal products and ensuring the reliability of analytical results.

In addition, current global trends in the field of quality control of medicinal products, modern equipment and analytical methods used in laboratory testing, as well as issues related to their validation and verification, were discussed in detail. Participants were provided with information on modern laboratory approaches and methods applied to ensure the reliability of analytical processes and the accuracy of results.

Special attention was also given to the identification of potentially hazardous carcinogenic and mutagenic impurities in medicinal products. Presentations were delivered on the determination of such impurities using modern analytical methods, the assessment of their quantities, and approaches applied in the quality control process. Information was also provided on the approach of the United States Pharmacopeia in this field and the application of relevant analytical methods.

An important aspect of the meeting was the sharing of existing practices of Central Asian countries in the field of quality control of medicinal products. During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the areas of activity of national regulatory authorities, as well as approaches applied in laboratory control and analytical expertise.

The discussions held during the meeting were important in terms of ensuring the quality of medicinal products and improving quality control mechanisms, applying modern analytical methods, and studying international standards and approaches.

Such events contribute to the development of cooperation among national regulatory authorities, the study of advanced international practices, and the expansion of professional knowledge and experience sharing in the field of quality control of medicinal products.

During the meeting, agreements were reached on the following key issues:

1. In order to strengthen cooperation between the State Customs Committee and the Ministry of Health and to ensure the mutual integration of permits issued in relation to medicines and medical devices, reciprocal access to the electronic systems of both institutions will be provided. In accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Health to the subordinate institutions, access to the existing electronic information systems of the relevant bodies under the Ministry of Health will be granted to the respective structural units of the State Customs Committee.
2. To address existing and potential issues related to medicines and medical devices, it was agreed to establish working groups comprising specialists and other relevant officials and to ensure effective cooperation between these groups. The parties also reached a mutual agreement on conducting training sessions and seminars for specialists of both institutions in the relevant areas of activity.
3. The State Customs Committee and the Ministry of Health agreed to introduce the necessary amendments to the legislation within their respective areas of competence and to strengthen the regulatory framework governing their common areas of activity.

The meeting was also attended by the management of the Analytical Expertise Center of the Ministry of Health. The parties agreed to continue efforts aimed at further expanding cooperation and coordinating joint activities in order to achieve the objectives set forth.

The Republic of Azerbaijan was represented at the forum by Rena Huseynova, Chief Consultant of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Azer Hasanov, Head of the Registration and Expertise of Medicines Department of the Analytical Expertise Center; and Rafiga Ibrahimova, Expert of the Pharmacovigilance Department.

During the forum, participants discussed modern approaches to the registration and assessment of medicines, pharmaceutical market regulation, ensuring the quality and safety of medicinal products, improving pharmacovigilance systems, as well as prospects for the development of regional and international cooperation in the healthcare sector.

The event programme also included the exchange of best practices, discussions on leading international approaches, and the establishment of new professional contacts aimed at strengthening cooperation between relevant institutions and expert communities.

The participation of the Azerbaijani delegation in the V International Pharmaceutical Forum of Uzbekistan will contribute to the further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, expansion of professional dialogue, exchange of experience, and strengthening of partnership relations between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and other participating countries.

Of the inspections conducted, 131 were planned, 3 were unplanned, and 3 were conducted outside the standard inspection framework.

As a result, various violations were identified in 34 pharmacies. In connection with the detected violations, relevant administrative protocols were drawn up under Articles 210.1, 215.4, 221.1, 221.10, 452.1, and 452.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Second Karabakh War, which lasted from September 27 to November 10, 2020, changed the balance of power in the region. In September 2023, Azerbaijan liberated all previously occupied territories, including Khojaly. This was an important step in restoring historical justice and the return of displaced people, including the residents of Khojaly, to their homeland.

On February 25, the staff of the Analytical Expertise Center of the Ministry of Health also respectfully honored the memory of the victims of Khojaly, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the people who triumphed over suffering and injustice and are determined to move forward. In this regard, the employees of the Center gathered in the conference hall and observed a one-minute silence to commemorate the souls of those who perished in the Khojaly tragedy and also praying for their souls. Then, a documentary film reflecting the painful truths of the Khojaly tragedy, reminding the need for solidarity among the Azerbaijani people and the continuation of efforts to protect their land and people, was demonstrated.

From the Analytical Expertise Center of the Ministry of Health, the training was attended by: Farid Hasanov, Head of the Pharmacovigilance department — in person; Khalisa Akberova, Deputy head of the department, and Rafiqe Ibrahimova, department expert — online.

The training was designed for pharmacovigilance inspectors from national regulatory authorities and pharmacovigilance centers. A total of 89 representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Thailand, and the 27 member countries of the European Union participated in the training in person, and more than 150 representatives participated online.

During the two-day training, the following topics were presented: “Signal management” – (Common principles); “Big vs. small companies” – (Special features of small companies and their inspection, Special features of big companies and their inspection); “Guideline on good pharmacovigilance practices (GVP) Module XVI – Risk minimisation measures – implementation of Rev 3” – (Overview on the GVP Module XVI rev.3, What is reviewed by Assessors on the implementation of RMMs at EU/PRAC level, What is reviewed by Assessors on the implementation of RMMs at national level, What is seen at the inspections).

In addition, the event included: “Big vs. small companies – Workshop” – (Discussion on case studies, Consolidation of the discussions); “Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF) findings and harmonization of expectations”; Extended EudraVigilance medicinal product dictionary (XEVMPD) training for inspectors — Introduction & Workshop on examples.

The sessions involved discussions on case studies from large and small companies, alignment of findings with PSMF expectations, and practical exercises with the XEVMPD dictionary for pharmacovigilance inspectors.

As part of the expansion and full implementation of the System, a list of new medicines to be tracked starting from November 1, 2025, has been determined. For this purpose, the Center regularly organizes informational meetings.

One such meeting was held on October 18, 2025, at the JW Marriott Absheron hotel, organized by Zeytun Pharmaceuticals LLC. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Center’s Tracking and Tracing of Medicines Department and Zeytun Pharmaceuticals LLC.

During the meeting, the Center’s representatives provided detailed information about the System, explaining the implementation process, technical requirements, innovations, and supply-related matters. Important aspects regarding the practical use of the System were also emphasized, and future planned activities were discussed.

The event continued in an interactive discussion format. Questions raised by company representatives were answered, and the proposed suggestions were recorded.

The Center plans to continue holding such educational and awareness-raising meetings in the future.

The event was dedicated to the implementation of the next stage of the “Drug Tracking and Monitoring System” and the effective use of this system.

The explanatory session was conducted by the staff of the “Tracking and Tracing of Medicines” Department of the Center.

During the constructive meeting, information was provided on the rules for using the system, the concept of the DataMatrix code, the specifics of code differentiation and tracking, as well as on the next pharmaceuticals planned to be included in the system and other important aspects. Representatives of pharmaceutical companies and the department’s management emphasized the importance of joint cooperation in improving the quality, safety, and transparency of Azerbaijan’s pharmaceutical market.

As a result of the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to hold such events on a regular basis. In addition, company representatives raised questions related to the difficulties encountered in using the system, which were thoroughly addressed by the Center’s staff.

According to Resolution No. 345 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated July 18, 2024, all medicines and medical products (including injectable aesthetic preparations) may be imported into the country only after state registration by the Ministry of Health. The import and use of unregistered products are prohibited by law.

The use of products of unknown origin poses a serious risk to human health: severe allergic reactions, damage to the nervous system and skin, and other serious complications are possible. Medical and cosmetology procedures must only be carried out in licensed medical institutions by qualified specialists.

Recommendations for citizens:

• Seek services only from clinics that use products registered by the state.
• Be cautious with low-cost procedures advertised on social media.
• Request the product’s name, country of manufacture, certificate of conformity, and registration certificate.

Illegal and non-professional procedures can cause serious harm to your health.

The AEC advises citizens:
Citizens can report illegal activities, complaints, or violations in private medical institutions and pharmacy organizations through the following channels:

• “Single Window” service sector
• Hotline: (012) 596 05 20
• E-mail: aem@pharma.az
• Official website: www.pharma.az (“Write Us” section)

All received reports are reviewed on a legal basis, and if necessary, unscheduled inspections of the relevant institutions are carried out.