Professor Yitzhak Berlovich, Former Health Ministry Official and Hospital CEO, Dies at 77
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Professor Yitzhak (Berlo) Berlovich, a prominent figure in Israel's healthcare system, passed away at 77. He served as CEO of Wolfson Medical Center and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health, playing a key role in drafting major health legislation. Remembered for his wisdom and collaborative approach, Berlovich was credited with saving Wolfson Medical Center from closure. Even after retiring, he remained active in healthcare advocacy and authored a book on recovery from illness.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Professor Yitzhak (Berlo) Berlovich, former CEO of Wolfson Medical Center and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health, died at 77.
- He was instrumental in drafting Israel's National Health Insurance Law and Patient Rights Law.
- Berlovich is credited with saving Wolfson Medical Center from closure during a financial crisis in 2006.
- He was known for his strategic vision, humility, and ability to foster consensus among colleagues.
- After retiring, he continued to advocate for healthcare improvements and authored a book on recovery.
- Berlovich immigrated from Lithuania at age nine and studied medicine at Tel Aviv University.
Professor Yitzhak (Berlo) Berlovich, who held numerous significant positions within Israel's healthcare system, including CEO of Wolfson Medical Center and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health, passed away yesterday at the age of 77. Berlovich was remembered as a wise leader with broad strategic vision, a warm and supportive colleague, adept at driving change through consensus and a pleasant demeanor.
Doron Oberzank, who co-managed the Reboot Forum with Berlovich to advance changes in Israeli healthcare, eulogized him, stating, "I have never met a person who knew how to bridge gaps between people, listen, calm, and find common ground like he did." Oberzank described Berlovich as exceptionally intelligent, humble, and pleasant, possessing vast experience and a rare ability to see the person in front of him, always with a smile and a willingness to make everyone feel included.
Berlovich, who battled cancer for years, maintained his optimism and continued to think ahead, initiate, and discuss future improvements for the healthcare system even while undergoing treatment. He was instrumental in drafting the National Health Insurance Law and the Patient Rights Law. He also initiated the regulation of medical insurance for uninsured children and the establishment of a medical service system for tuberculosis patients in Israel. He served on the Health Services Basket Committee until 2006.
In December 2006, Berlovich was appointed to manage Wolfson Medical Center, which was then facing financial difficulties and was close to closure. He is credited with saving the hospital. In a 2011 interview, he expressed his dedication to securing funding, stating, "I am willing to fly anywhere and walk anywhere to bring more money to the hospital." He also advocated for patient autonomy, questioning the necessity of hospital-issued pajamas and suggesting patients wear their own comfortable clothing.
After retiring in 2017, Berlovich remained active in healthcare, chairing the Reboot Forum, serving on the board of the Association for Patients' Rights, and contributing to various health-related organizations. His experience with cancer led him to write "From Collapse to Recovery" in 2018, offering perspectives from both a doctor and a patient. He also co-authored "The Healthcare System in Israel." In a 2018 interview, he lamented that healthcare was not a top national priority despite its importance.
Berlovich was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and immigrated to Israel at age nine. He studied medicine at Tel Aviv University and specialized in pediatrics. He is survived by his wife, Miriam, and their two sons, Shachar and Eran, both involved in television and film.
Mentioned
