owning extensive pharmacy chains. The meeting was organized in response to deficiencies identified by the specialists of the Analytical Expertise Center in the use of the Tracking and Tracing System for medicinal products during the circulation of medicines.

During the meeting, participants were provided with detailed information on the most significant issues currently observed in the use of the System. Discussions also focused on the key measures that should be implemented to prevent serious non-compliance and operational deficiencies in the future. The discussions covered both pharmaceutical wholesale enterprises and the pharmacies operating under their management.

As part of the meeting, the purpose and objectives of the Tracking and Tracing System were once again explained in detail to the company executives. It was emphasized that wholesale pharmaceutical companies, as one of the key links in the supply chain from the manufacturer to the end consumer, must ensure the accurate and proper use of the System. Company representatives were informed that establishing effective internal control mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and the uninterrupted exchange of data is one of their highest priorities.

The meeting also addressed the current non-compliance issues identified in the companies’ use of the System, the potential serious consequences of such shortcomings, and the measures required to eliminate them. The companies were instructed to reiterate to all subordinate enterprises the importance of using the Tracking and Tracing System correctly and in full accordance with the established guidelines.

Of these inspections, 58 were carried out at pharmacies located in Baku, while 10 took place at pharmacies in other cities and districts across the country. A total of 56 inspections were scheduled, and 12 were unscheduled.

Based on the inspection results, various violations were identified in 10 pharmacies.

Due to non-compliance with the required storage conditions, 38 boxes of medicinal products representing 11 different items (SKUs) were removed from sale.

In addition, 1 administrative protocol was drawn up under Article 215.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and 9 administrative protocols were issued under Article 452.3.

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.

One of the inspections took place in Baku, while 55 were conducted in pharmacies located in other cities and districts of the republic. Out of the inspections conducted, 55 were scheduled, and one was unscheduled.

As a result of the inspections, various violations were identified in 18 pharmacies. Administrative protocols were drawn up regarding the identified violations in accordance with Articles 452.1 and 452.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current situation in the field of medical devices and biologically active food supplements, international experience in this area, as well as opportunities for mutual cooperation. The parties discussed relevant areas of activity, issues related to quality and safety, and existing regulatory mechanisms governing the circulation of such products.

At the same time, the representatives were provided with detailed explanations regarding the state registration of medical devices and biologically active food supplements in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the expertise procedures, required documentation, as well as the requirements of current legislation related to the import of these products into the country. It was emphasized that the circulation and import of products within the country must be carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of applicable regulatory legal acts.

Overall, the meeting was held in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere, and the parties exchanged useful views on matters of mutual interest.

For this purpose, fire safety instructions were prepared in the Center’s departments and distributed to department heads for further use, and regular training sessions are conducted for staff.

To enhance the effective acquisition of theoretical knowledge and improve employees’ practical skills, a “Fire Safety” training session was organized at the Center on May 14, 2026.

During the training, participants were provided with detailed information on fire safety behavior, initial response measures, and safety requirements through presentations.

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.

Among the inspections, 53 were scheduled, and one was unscheduled.

As a result, various violations were identified in 12 pharmacies. In connection with the violations, the relevant administrative protocols were drawn up under Articles 215.4, 221.1, 452.1, and 452.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The delegation included Dmitry Leonidovich Pinevich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tatyana Nikolayevna Zubritskaya, Chief Advisor of the Embassy, ​​and Veronika Aleksandrovna Lisitskaya, First Secretary of the Embassy.

During the visit, the delegation was received by Rafig Khudayev, Deputy Director of the Analytical Expertise Center.

At the meeting, the Belarusian delegation was provided by the heads of relevant departments of the AEC with relevant information about the activities of the AEC whcin is the drug regulator of Azerbaijan.

The main purpose of the meeting was to familiarize the Belarusian side with the procedures for registration and re-registration of medicinal products in Azerbaijan, the regulatory framework and practical aspects of the expertise of medicinal products.

The discussions covered the following topics: the procedure and requirements for registration of medicinal products; mechanisms for monitoring the quality and safety of medicinal products; digitalization and optimization of regulatory processes; exchange of experience and application of effective practices in the supply of medicines.

The parties also discussed the prospects for the development of partnership between the relevant institutions of Azerbaijan and Belarus.

The meeting took place in a constructive and business atmosphere and confirmed the mutual interest of the parties in the development of cooperation and strengthening professional relations.