On June 17, Azerbaijan celebrates Medical Worker Day.
The history of the holiday is rooted in the events of the early 20th century, when on June 17, 1918, the Government of the newly formed Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established the Ministry of Health of the young state. This state did not last long, after which it became part of the USSR, where Medical Worker Day was celebrated annually every third Sunday in June.
In many republics that gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the holiday did not change its date and is still traditionally celebrated on the third Sunday of the first month of summer. Azerbaijan decided to honor health workers on another day, choosing June 17 – as the date of establishment of the first Ministry of Health in 1918. This professional holiday received official status thanks to the Decree of the President of the Republic Heydar Aliyev, signed on June 4, 2001. From this day on, Medical Worker Day is celebrated annually in Azerbaijan on June 17.
Medicine in independent Azerbaijan had to go through a difficult period of formation, reform and development. The country's government pays special attention to the healthcare system, allocating funds for the construction of new hospitals and clinics, educational institutions and centers for training qualified medical workers, the purchase of modern medical equipment, the repair and modernization of existing healthcare institutions, the training of specialists and their professional improvement.
As in other countries, the Azerbaijani healthcare system strives to pay special attention to preventive measures, without forgetting about the development and improvement of medical care.
Traditionally, many health workers celebrate their professional holiday at work, saving the lives of patients, maintaining their health, and taking the necessary therapeutic measures to cure patients. Medical workers celebrate their holiday with colleagues, friends, family and friends. Often, festive events are timed to coincide with the holiday: concerts, presentation of awards, certificates and diplomas, valuable gifts. However, the most valuable reward for doctors remains words of gratitude from those whose lives and health are saved thanks to their dedicated work.