
The Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK) implements a number of projects aimed at protecting the labor, social and economic rights and legitimate interests of its members, as well as effectively organizing their treatment and leisure. One of such projects is “Run for Health!”, which involves the participation of trade union members working in the healthcare sector.
As part of the project, dedicated to the ‘Professional Day of Medical Workers’, took place on June 17 in Khankendi with the participation of the winners from the competition previously held in the districts of Hacıqabul, Aghjabadi, Lankaran, Gusar, Shamakhi, and the cities of Mingachevir, Ganja, and Baku.
The event began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our homeland.
At the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation Mr. Sahib Mammadov congratulated medical workers on their professional holiday and described the organization of the final stage of the project in Khankendi—where Azerbaijan’s sovereignty has been restored—as a historic and significant event.
He emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, our victorious nation is living through one of the brightest periods in its glorious history. Each of us takes pride in being a citizen of Azerbaijan—a state that leads the region and has a respected voice on the global stage. Speaking about the country's sports policy, the government’s attention to the healthcare sector, and successful health projects implemented under the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, Mr. Mammadov noted that the initiatives of Azerbaijani trade unions align with and support these broader national goals.
Mr. Mammadov noted that the “Run for Health” project with the participation of medical workers is useful in terms of the organization of meaningful leisure time, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and solidarity among trade union members and wished success to the finalists.
Mr. Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly, spoke about the ongoing systematic and rapid reconstruction and development efforts in Eastern Zangezur and Karabakh, the conditions created for returning residents, and emphasized the importance of organizing such a sports event in Khankendi.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Healthcare Committee of the Milli Majlis, Mr. Ahliman Amiraslanov; Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Ilgar Gasimov; and Chairman of the Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund, Mr. Rahman Hajiyev also delivered speeches. They discussed the development of healthcare in Azerbaijan, the strengthening of the material and technical bases of the medical institutions, the steps taken to protect public health, and the professionalism and dedication of Azerbaijani doctors—especially during the pandemic and the Patriotic War.
The race, covering a distance of 5,000 meters, featured 48 medical workers—the regional winners. The first three male and three female participants to cross the finish line were declared the final winners and awarded with cash prizes, diplomas, medals, and cups.
The event concluded with a cultural performance with patriotic songs and national dances.
It is worth noting that the “Run for Health!” project, dedicated to June 17 – Medical Workers’ Professional Day, was organized to promote physical health, ensure meaningful leisure time, and strengthen solidarity among trade union members. Over 1,500 healthcare workers participated in the project, including the final stage.