Israeli Health Basket Committee Begins Deliberations on 650 Million Shekel Budget

The Public Committee for Expanding the Health Services Basket for 2027 commenced its discussions on Monday at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer. The committee is tasked with deciding which of hundreds of new medications and medical technologies will be included in the public health basket, funded by the state. This year, the committee has a budget of 650 million shekels to allocate, balancing medical, professional, social, and economic considerations. The decisions will directly impact many patients awaiting new treatments that could save lives or significantly improve their quality of life.

Health Minister Chaim Katz acknowledged the sensitive timing of the committee's launch, just before national elections, stating his intention to avoid any inappropriate remarks. He emphasized that the Israeli health basket is among the most comprehensive globally and that the goal is to provide access to new treatments for as many patients as possible, regardless of their financial status. Katz admitted the budget is insufficient to meet all requests, noting the need to balance life-saving treatments with those that improve the daily lives of individuals living with chronic illnesses.

Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the committee's public importance, symbolizing Israeli public system strength and mutual responsibility. He stressed the need to balance life-saving drugs, quality-of-life treatments, and preventive medicine, aiming for transparency and genuine action. Bar Siman Tov also addressed criticism regarding the committee's convening date, stating discussions began a month earlier than last year and anticipating earlier decisions. He clarified that the 650 million shekel budget is exclusively for new drugs and technologies, separate from the overall health basket budget exceeding 85 billion shekels.

Professor Dina Ben-Yehuda, chairing the committee for the fifth consecutive year, underscored the human element of their decisions. She noted the increasing complexity due to advancements in personalized medicine, requiring difficult choices. Ben-Yehuda stated that the committee is acutely aware of the patients and families awaiting their decisions, making choices with both intellect and compassion. While not all requests can be fulfilled, every treatment will be thoroughly evaluated with the aim of providing maximum relief to the maximum number of people, based on facts and empathy. The committee's recommendations are expected by the end of December and will be submitted for the Health Minister's approval.