Health Budget for Kiryat Shmona to Nearly Triple to $20 Million

The Israeli government has approved a significant increase in the health budget for Kiryat Shmona, nearly tripling it from NIS 30 million to approximately NIS 70 million (about $20 million USD). This additional NIS 40 million will primarily fund the expansion of the city's urgent medical care center into a fully independent, 24/7 facility.

The decision, part of a broader government initiative to strengthen northern communities like Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Shlomi, was made after the initial NIS 30 million allocated in February proved insufficient for long-term operation and service expansion. The increased funding will sustain the current urgent care model until the end of 2026.

Starting in January 2027, the center will operate around the clock, serving all health fund members and local soldiers. It will be staffed by specialists in adult and pediatric urgent care, along with specialized nursing staff. The facility will also offer X-ray services and on-call psychiatric support. Additionally, Kiryat Shmona will receive another intensive care ambulance.

This enhanced service aims to provide more comprehensive care than the previous "Bikur Rofeh" night service, with specialists capable of handling fractures, casting, resuscitation, cardiac stabilization, and stroke treatment. The center has already performed over 20 resuscitations in its first three months.

The additional budget, to be disbursed through 2029, was approved by a committee including directors-general from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Negev and Galilee, and the North's "Tnu'fa" administration. The expanded services are intended to improve access to immediate medical care for residents of Kiryat Shmona and surrounding areas, as well as soldiers, addressing the distance to major hospitals and enhancing both routine and emergency healthcare in the northern region.