Nakhchivan

750 nurses working in Nakhchivan are in danger of being dismissed from their jobs.

According to the nurses, employers are telling them that their diplomas are not acceptable.  

For several years already, medical workers from a number of different medical facilities with Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been complaint to Nakhchivan’s Supreme Council about this. From an investigation into the problems, it becomes clear that the nurses graduated between 1991 and 2003 from “TEKIS” and “GENJ TABIB” Medical Colleges, however these facilities were both closed by the government.  

“TEKIS” was closed in 2003 by Republic of Azerbaijan Education Ministry because the college did not meet standards for material resources, scientific educational potential and educational methods. In addition, although the State Student Admission only allocated for a total of 30 students to study at “TEKIS” between 1999-2003, the college admitted 750. These people were given degrees to be nurses and mid-level medical workers.  

“GENJ TABIB” was closed by Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s Cabinet of Ministers through a decision issued on 19 July 2001. Despite this, the college admitted over a thousand students in 2002 and they were given degrees in pharmacology and midwifery.  

After this, the autonomous republic’s Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Interior conducted an operation. During the operation they uncovered people with bogus diplomas working. In addition there were people with degrees from educational facilities in Uzbekistan and various cities in Russia working. Despite this, Azerbaijan’s legislation does not allow the dismissal of 750 nurses that have 10-12 years of working experience.  

A legal expert told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that if someone has a diploma recognized by the country and finds a job, that same diploma can not suddenly be invalidated without a court decision.  According to Article 79 of the Labor Code, it is unacceptable to fire mothers with children that are under the age of 17.  

The Ministry of Health has reportedly conducted a meeting on this matter and determined that it will investigate this matter. In the mean time, the medical workers will be allowed to remain at their jobs.