Israeli Health System Leaders Warn of Worsening Doctor Shortage

Leaders of Israel's healthcare system are sounding the alarm over an impending doctor shortage, warning that the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years. Speaking at a conference marking 30 years of the National Health Insurance Law, they urged the government to implement significant changes to how healthcare services are managed and delivered.

Key proposals include empowering nurses with greater responsibilities, expanding the use of artificial intelligence and telemedicine, and strengthening healthcare in peripheral areas. Sigal Dadon Levi, CEO of Maccabi Healthcare Services, highlighted a demographic gap, noting that while the population has grown by 20%, the number of doctors has only increased by 15%. She cautioned that the effects of current trends will only be felt by 2031, necessitating immediate action to address the "desert of doctors."

Dadon Levi also pointed to a 20% "no-show" rate for appointments and suggested allowing Israeli healthcare providers to utilize the services of doctors residing abroad, as well as exploring shorter physician training durations. Eitan Wertheim, CEO of Clalit Health Services, emphasized the need for better management of appointments and improved coordination between community care and hospitals, particularly in psychiatry. He also proposed a dedicated health tax to increase funding for the system.

Prof. Eli Spracher, CEO of Ichilov Medical Center, argued that systemic changes are as crucial as increasing staff numbers, citing outdated regulations that hinder the adoption of new technologies. He suggested giving patients more control through digital tools could reduce the need for in-person visits. Dr. Michal Makal, CEO of Rambam Medical Center, addressed the challenges of shifting between routine and emergency states, stressing the need for better shielding in hospitals, with protected emergency rooms costing millions.

Prof. Nachman Ash, Chairman of the National Institute for Health Policy Research, discussed the competition between health funds, noting its benefits in driving service quality but also its potential for distortion, with funds sometimes competing for healthier populations rather than focusing on the sick. He called for greater transparency in quality metrics to help patients make informed choices.