Kiryat Shmona to Launch 24/7 Emergency Medical Center

Kiryat Shmona will soon feature its first-ever 24/7 emergency medical center, significantly expanding the capabilities of its existing facility. The current center has already proven its life-saving potential, performing over 20 successful resuscitations in the past three months. Starting in January 2027, the center will operate independently around the clock, providing medical care during both routine times and emergencies.

The expansion is part of a government initiative to reduce healthcare disparities for residents in northern Israel due to their distance from major hospitals. The dedicated budget for this project has been increased from an initial 30 million shekels to approximately 70 million shekels, a more than 100% rise, following efforts by the "Tnuufa for the North" administration and the Ministry of Health. This increased funding, totaling an additional 40 million shekels, will extend through 2029.

The upgraded center will be staffed by specialists in emergency medicine for adults and children, an expert nursing team, and will include X-ray services and an on-call psychiatrist. Additionally, the city will receive another intensive care ambulance to bolster emergency medical response.

This development marks a substantial upgrade from the previous "Bikur Rofeh" (Doctor's Visit) service, which offered limited nighttime hours. The new medical center will be equipped to handle critical emergencies such as cardiac arrests and provide initial treatment for strokes, independent of regular clinic operating hours. It will serve insured individuals from all health funds and soldiers stationed in the area.

Aviad Friedman, head of the "Tnuufa for the North" administration, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare for the region's growth, stating, "Accessible health is a basic condition for life and growth in the north." He added that the enhanced budget aims not only to maintain but significantly expand existing services, contributing to the overall quality of life and encouraging a stable return and growth in northern Israel.