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 crucial medical services regardless of regular clinic hours. This expansion is part of a government initiative to reduce healthcare disparities for residents in northern Israel due to their distance from major hospitals.

The government has approved an increased budget for the project, raising it from an initial 30 million shekels to approximately 70 million shekels. This substantial funding increase, driven by the "Thrive in the North" administration and the Ministry of Health, aims to ensure the center's independent operation. The enhanced facility will be staffed by specialists in emergency medicine for adults and children, a dedicated nursing team, and will include X-ray services and an on-call psychiatrist. Additionally, the city will receive an extra intensive care ambulance to bolster emergency response capabilities.

The new center represents a major upgrade from the previous "Bikur Rofeh" (doctor's visit) service, which offered limited nighttime care. The upgraded facility will be equipped to handle critical emergencies, including resuscitations, stabilization of cardiac events, and initial treatment for strokes. Aviad Friedman, head of the "Thrive in the North" administration, emphasized that accessible healthcare is vital for the region's growth and quality of life, assuring residents that medical care will always be available.