Health Ministry Admits Surge in Complaints Over Extended Wait Times Post-Reform
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
The Israeli Ministry of Health has admitted to a significant rise in complaints about extended wait times for child development services following a new reform. Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov reportedly stated that wait times are no longer relevant, contradicting earlier assurances. Members of Knesset are demanding explanations for the ministry's failure to provide data and its stance on the issue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ministry of Health admits significant rise in complaints over longer wait times for child development services.
- Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov reportedly believes wait times are no longer relevant.
- A reform eliminated reimbursements for private treatments, leading to increased queues.
- Ombudsman's office is aware of public distress and monitoring the reform's implementation.
- Members of Knesset are demanding clarification and data from the Health Ministry.
- The ministry has not provided wait time data for six months, violating a committee directive.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged a significant increase in complaints regarding extended wait times for child development services following a recent reform. The reform, which eliminated partial reimbursements for private treatments, has led to a surge in complaints from parents facing longer queues. While the official ombudsman's report for 2025 does not yet include data on the reform's impact, the ministry is already observing these trends. The full effects are expected to be detailed in next year's report.
This admission comes amid reports that Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov privately stated he does not expect wait times to decrease and that they are no longer considered relevant. These comments contrast with his earlier assurances before the reform's implementation on February 1st, when he indicated the ministry would not hesitate to make changes if progress was unsatisfactory.
The ombudsman's office confirmed a substantial rise in complaints, with parents citing longer waits due to the phasing out of reimbursements for private care. The ministry acknowledges these extended waits are a transitional phase, necessary for establishing a robust public system where all children receive care through the health funds. The ombudsman's office is monitoring the situation and is aware of public distress.
One specific complaint detailed how Clalit Health Services referred an autistic child for private treatment with partial reimbursement. The child's mother objected due to out-of-pocket costs, preferring public services. Clalit admitted a lack of available therapists, but following the ombudsman's intervention, alternative treatments were offered through hospitals at standard co-payments.
Following the reports, Members of Knesset Yoni Meshriki and Limor Son Har Melech have written to Health Minister Haim Katz and the Director-General demanding clarification. Son Har Melech, who had previously mandated monthly wait time data reporting, criticized the ministry for failing to provide data for six months and for contradicting its commitments. Meshriki called the Director-General's stance "unacceptable," demanding the release of all wait time data since March and an explanation for the non-compliance with the committee's directives.