Israel Faces Doctor Shortage as 24% Near Retirement Age

A report from Israel's Ministry of Finance reveals that 24% of specialist doctors in public hospitals are approaching retirement age, exacerbating an existing personnel deficit. The situation is particularly critical in certain medical fields, with 48% of palliative care specialists, 47% of clinical pharmacologists, and 36% of pediatric surgeons set to retire soon. The report highlights that this shortage is a systemic issue that requires long-term planning for training new specialists, a plan that has yet to be developed.

The report also addresses salary issues, noting that the average gross salary in hospitals is 22,560 shekels and 23,326 shekels in outpatient facilities. Higher salaries in peripheral hospitals, such as those in Safed and Tiberias, are attributed to staff shortages and heavy workloads, leading doctors to work over nine shifts per month, rather than state incentives. A significant gender pay gap persists, with women earning 19% less in hospitals and 40% less in outpatient clinics, likely due to additional domestic responsibilities and evening shifts.

The findings were released as negotiations for a new collective agreement for Israeli doctors commenced. The report underscores the urgent need for strategic workforce planning to prevent a deepening crisis in the healthcare system.