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Azerbaijan: about leukaemia

In Azerbaijan, leukaemia is diagnosed and treated as in other countries — with regimens based on international recommendations. This chapter opens the Azerbaijan section: where the journey starts, who treats it, what to prepare for and which chapters hold the details.

Last updated: ~3 min read
On a dark navy background, the Baku waterfront at dusk: flame-shaped towers in translucent glass, glowing blood cells drifting over the Caspian like lanterns.
Figure 1.Leukaemia care in Azerbaijan is concentrated mainly in Baku.

01Short answer

The main public institution for leukaemia in adults and children in Azerbaijan is the national haematology centre in Baku, established in 2019 under TƏBİB. According to the centre’s official website, it provides diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases, laboratory diagnostics, transfusion services and bone marrow transplantation. The journey usually starts with a full blood count at a polyclinic, followed by referral to a haematologist, a bone marrow test and a treatment plan. Since April 2021, compulsory health insurance has covered the whole country. What exactly is paid for in a given case must be checked with the institution.

02Simple explanation

Leukaemia is a disease of blood cells in the bone marrow; in Azerbaijan, as everywhere, there are four main types: AML, ALL, CML and CLL.

Diagnosis and treatment take place mainly in specialised centres in Baku.

The first step is usually a full blood count; if it shows changes, the doctor refers you to a haematologist.

Treatment follows regimens based on international recommendations and often lasts for months.

03Scientific explanation

How the centre was created: by Presidential Decree of 23 December 2019, the Thalassaemia Centre and a haematology research institute were merged under TƏBİB into the national haematology centre.

Insurance: according to the Ministry of Health, compulsory health insurance began rolling out nationally in January 2020 and has covered the whole country since 1 April 2021. According to the WHO European Observatory, the package includes emergency, primary, outpatient and inpatient care.

Statistics: the Global Cancer Observatory of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) publishes estimated leukaemia case numbers by country; figures for Azerbaijan are given there as estimates.

04What happens in the body?

Where does the journey start?

Most often with tiredness, paleness, frequent infections, bruising or a fever that will not settle. A full blood count is done at a polyclinic or hospital. If there are major changes in blood cell counts or blasts are seen, the doctor refers you to a haematologist.

On a dark navy background, a road of light running from village houses between mountains to a hospital in the capital.
Figure 3.The journey from the regions to the capital’s centre is best planned ahead.

Who treats it?

Leukaemia is treated by a haematologist or haemato-oncologist. Specialised units for adults and children are mainly in Baku. A detailed list is in the “Hospitals and centres” chapter.

Which type, which treatment?

In acute leukaemia, treatment usually starts at once, in hospital. In chronic leukaemia, outpatient treatment with tablets or simply monitoring is sometimes enough. See the “Types of leukaemia” section.

The four main types of leukaemia need different treatment
Figure 2.The four main types of leukaemia need different treatment.

What is in this section?

The health system, haematology, hospitals, diagnosis, treatment options, medicines, transfusion, donation, transplantation, insurance, rights, second opinions, treatment abroad, life in hospital, local cuisine and food safety, water, hygiene, family, work, psychological support, life after treatment and emergency numbers.

05A typical path in Azerbaijan

From symptoms to a treatment plan.

Symptoms — A visit to a family doctor or polyclinic.1SymptomsA visit to a family doctor or polyclinic.
Blood test — The full blood count shows changes.2Blood testThe full blood count shows changes.
Referral — Referral to a haematology centre.3ReferralReferral to a haematology centre.
Plan — After tests, a treatment plan.4PlanAfter tests, a treatment plan.
A clear pathYou know which step comes when.
Time savedYou reach the right specialist sooner.
SupportThe system works with you.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Where does the journey start?Most often with tiredness, paleness, frequent infections, bruising or a fever that will not settle. A full blood count is done at a polyclinic or hospital. If there are major changes in blood cell counts or blasts are seen, the doctor refers you to a haematologist.
Who treats it?Leukaemia is treated by a haematologist or haemato-oncologist. Specialised units for adults and children are mainly in Baku. A detailed list is in the “Hospitals and centres” chapter.
Which type, which treatment?In acute leukaemia, treatment usually starts at once, in hospital. In chronic leukaemia, outpatient treatment with tablets or simply monitoring is sometimes enough. See the “Types of leukaemia” section.
What is in this section?The health system, haematology, hospitals, diagnosis, treatment options, medicines, transfusion, donation, transplantation, insurance, rights, second opinions, treatment abroad, life in hospital, local cuisine and food safety, water, hygiene, family, work, psychological support, life after treatment and emergency numbers.

07Key terms

Haematologist
A doctor specialising in blood diseases.
Haemato-oncology
The field dealing with malignant blood diseases.
TƏBİB
The Administration of Regional Medical Divisions — the body that runs public hospitals.
Compulsory health insurance
The main state-organised health insurance system.
Blast
An immature blood cell; in leukaemia there are too many.

08Key points

  • The main public centre is in Baku.
  • The centre was created in 2019.
  • The path starts with a full blood count.
  • Acute leukaemia needs urgent treatment.
  • Compulsory insurance nationwide since 2021.
  • Payment details are checked with the institution.

09Frequently asked questions

Can leukaemia be treated in Azerbaijan?

Yes. Specialised centres in Baku provide diagnosis, chemotherapy and transplantation. Discuss the options in your case with your doctor.

I live outside Baku — what should I do?

A local doctor can do a blood test and refer you to Baku. Plan in advance where you will stay in Baku during treatment.

Where are children treated?

Childhood leukaemia is treated in specialised paediatric haematology units. Your doctor will refer you.

Do I need to go abroad?

In most cases, no. It is sometimes discussed, for example for a particular transplant or test. See “Treatment abroad”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can leukaemia be treated in Azerbaijan?

  2. I live outside Baku — what should I do?

  3. Where are children treated?

  4. Do I need to go abroad?

My questions

12Sources

  1. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
  2. Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Decree on the establishment of the national haematology centre, 23 December 2019 (in Azerbaijani)
  3. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Azerbaijan: health system information and resources
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  5. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today
  6. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: getting help
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Turkey travel advice: getting help
  8. European Commission. Cross-border healthcare — overview
  9. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: health
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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