A Policy Seminar on Reforming Health Financing in Azerbaijan was organized jointly by World Bank, USAID and WHO, on the request of the Ministries of Health and Finance of Azerbaijan Republic. The seminar was conducted on December 7-8, 2006 in Hyatt Park Hotel, Baku, Azerbaijan. It brought together high government officials and experts from Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia and Kyrgyz Republic for an informal exchange of information, opinions and best practices.

Two main objectives of the seminar were:

(i)                           to review the role of the State in financing healthcare and explore various options for expanded coverage and service package; and

(ii)                          to review the current budgeting arrangements and explore options for pooling and allocating financial resources and purchasing health services.

The seminar was chaired by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Minister of Finance of Azerbaijan Republic, Mr. Oktay Shiraliyev, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Republic, and Mr. Gregory Jedrzejczak, World Bank Country Manager in Azerbaijan