Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of the Shabran Central District Hospital

Let me warmly congratulate you on the opening of this wonderful hospital. It is a very nice hospital. Both its appearance and the interior design are beautiful. At the same time, it has different and modern equipment.

I am sure that doctors will enjoy working here. Of course, the hospital must provide quality medical services, patients must be looked after well.

I am very pleased that such a beautiful and modern hospital has been built in Shabran District. The doctors working here certainly remember the condition of the former hospital. Now there is a world-class medical center with all the opportunities to provide quality medical services. All departments are available: beautiful maternity, surgical and pediatric departments, other departments, the intensive care unit. I am very pleased that such excellent hospitals are opening in all Azerbaijan districts.

This shows the strength and policies of our country. Because our policies are socially oriented.

The citizen of Azerbaijan is at the center of our policies.

Health is important to people. Doctors are well aware of the factors contributing to good health. There are a number of factors, and medical service, of course, holds a special place among them. The timely detection of a disease, the correct diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to the health of people and patients. At the same time, work is under way in other areas to improve public health. A very important role is played by the environment. The environmental situation in Shabran District is very good. But we want to see a favorable environmental situation in all Azerbaijani districts. Drinking water is very important to human health. These projects have already been launched in every district, including Shabran. The head of the executive authority has informed me that drinking water and sanitation projects are already being implemented.

We are paying attention to the issue of nutrition. At present, control is exercised over the consumer market. People must do sports to be healthy. Look how many sports facilities our country has!

I want to reiterate: the Azerbaijani government is and will be doing everything necessary to improve public health. This is clearly evidenced by the opening of such a magnificent, beautiful and modern hospital in Shabran. I am very pleased that, overall, things are going well in the district, that there is improvement. The district has a great potential. Shabran is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest places. The historical monuments located here, the ruins of the ancient city of Shabran, Chiraggala and other monuments are an indication of Azerbaijan’s rich culture. The Azerbaijani government is very attentive to its past, the historical and cultural heritage, these monuments are being preserved.

This is our national asset. Along with this, further measures should be taken in the district to develop tourism. I know that the place of therapeutic recreation Galaalti, which was well-known in Soviet times, must also be renovated, and there will be an even bigger influx of tourists here. Infrastructure projects are being implemented, gasification carried out, roads laid and new enterprises put into operation in the district. All this is necessary for our country and people. I want people to have a decent life everywhere, in every district in order to make even more progress in all the spheres, in the social and economic fields.

The construction of hospitals in Azerbaijan has gained momentum. We can say that we have already resolved basic issues in this region. Hospitals have been built in Siyazan, Khizi, and now in Shabran, Guba. A large hospital is currently under construction in Gusar. In Khachmaz it is already finished. So our main health objectives to the north of Baku, in this entire region, have been met. Of course, we will continue considering construction of dispensaries, medical and health facilities in the future too. But we have succeeded in finding a fundamental solution to this issue in all other regions too.

Hospitals, medical and diagnostic centers are now under construction in every region, there is a major health center in Baku. Several months ago we laid the foundation of it and allocated funds. Funds are also envisaged in the next year's budget. I am told that a beautiful center is being built. These are specific results of our policy. Our policy is socially oriented. I want to reiterate: the main objective of our social policy is to strengthen Azerbaijan and improve the well-being of the Azerbaijani people.

Let me heartily congratulate you on this remarkable occasion and wish you good health. I am sure you will look after patients well and work successfully in these great conditions.

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A local resident, medical worker Samaya Guvvatova thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the great attention and care of Shabran.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I have repeatedly visited Shabran District, came here several times to study the situation. I can say that the district is indeed growing very rapidly. As you have mentioned, I have participated in several fine opening ceremonies today. The Heydar Aliyev Center, the Local History Museum, the Center for Children's Art, the Culture Center, this beautiful hospital. After this, I will examine the construction of the Takhtakorpu water reservoir, which holds an important place among major infrastructure projects of our country.

Four years ago I personally laid the foundation of this great facility. I am very glad that things are going well there. This project has vast, even invaluable importance for Shabran District, for the entire northern zone and for our country. As a result of its implementation, more than 100,000, perhaps even 150,000 hectares of land will be watered. Irrigation will improve. This will give an impetus to agricultural development. With the development of agriculture people will earn and produce more. The construction of the Takhtakorpu water reservoir, the canal and the hydro power plant are among the biggest projects carried out in Azerbaijan.

Now our country is implementing major infrastructure projects. Roads are built. As you have noted, the Baku-Russian border road has been laid. The road to Shabran has become so beautiful and comfortable now!

Previously, all the trucks used to drive through the city. The head of the executive authority has repeatedly raised this issue. I knew that myself. I have repeatedly driven along that road. The road through Shabran, Siyazan, was dangerous to people and children, it was causing difficulty. In addition, it was a narrow two-lane road. We have moved this four-lane road outside the city.

The head of the Shabran District executive authority, Novruz Novruzov: Yes, the biggest four-lane bridge in the country is in Shabran. This is a historical monument.

President Ilham Aliyev: The biggest bridge is in Shabran. Last time we examined its construction and then attended its opening. So there are roads, bridges and landscaping. The Takhtakorpu water reservoir is a masterpiece. Not many people know this because it is far away. There is no access there, work is under way. But I am sure that after completion of this project the place will become a tourist attraction. The climate there will change. Just imagine that a large lake will be created in the mountains. It is hard to describe it. I am sure that after the opening the people of Shabran and all other districts will be able to go and see it.

These are Azerbaijan’s realities. This hospital, the work carried out in the district show that there is development in every field – infrastructure, social and economic areas.

Development should become even more intense. Azerbaijan is moving forward, moving forward successfully, growing and gaining strength. Thus, we are meeting all our objectives.

Let me heartily congratulate you on this wonderful event again. I wish you success and good health.

Thank you.