Israeli Healthcare System Offers Russian Speakers Full Support

Dr. Eli Rimmer, a family physician and head of the central clinic for Clalit Health Services in Kiryat Shmona, detailed the Israeli healthcare system's approach to new immigrants, particularly those facing language barriers. Speaking at the Global Aliyah Live Summit on September 8, organized by YnetGlobal and Vesti, Dr. Rimmer explained that the Israeli system begins with a primary care physician at the local clinic. This family doctor serves as the first point of contact for all physical and psychosomatic complaints, as well as medical bureaucracy, referring patients to specialists or hospitals only when necessary.

Clalit, Israel's largest health insurer covering over five million people, provides new immigrants with comprehensive medical services from their first day in the country. Dr. Rimmer emphasized the importance of immigrants bringing their medical documents from their home country to aid in initial assessments, blood tests, and treatment plans. He also highlighted Clalit's efforts to overcome the language barrier, noting that many clinics and hospitals have Russian-speaking doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. Additionally, the health fund offers Russian-language call centers, real-time telephone translation services during appointments, WhatsApp chats for administrative issues, and a mobile app with a personal assistant feature.