Eilat Launches Medical Faculty to Transform City's Healthcare and Economy

Eilat has long struggled with inadequate medical services, forcing many residents to travel far for treatment. To address this, a dedicated medical faculty is set to open in September 2026, aiming to train healthcare professionals locally and encourage them to remain in the city. Mayor Eli Lankri emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand human capital and improve healthcare infrastructure, which will take years to fully impact the city.

The city's geographic isolation and harsh climate have historically hindered sustained economic and healthcare development. However, Eilat benefits from its location on the Red Sea, which supports tourism, trade, marine research, and aquaculture. The academic campus, active for three years, hosts branches of several Israeli colleges and universities, with the new medical faculty soon joining them. Already, 30 Jewish medical students from France have expressed interest in studying there. Scholarships will be offered to students who commit to working in Eilat for at least five years.

Beyond healthcare, Eilat is undergoing extensive infrastructure and economic development, including port expansion, new passenger and freight rail lines expected within two years, a green city initiative with electric buses, and renewable energy projects. Plans also include establishing a global center for marine agriculture and a food industry park. Tourism remains vital, with Eilat hosting 7.5 million overnight stays annually, far surpassing its Jordanian neighbor Aqaba.

The city has faced recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a severe storm in March 2023 that damaged tourist facilities, and hosting tens of thousands of evacuees from the Gaza envelope. Despite these, Eilat has managed to recover economically. Mayor Lankri acknowledged concerns over high prices for visitors and announced plans to introduce a digital wallet to offer discounts and streamline access to attractions.

Security remains a priority, with threats from Iran, Yemen, and the sea. However, Israeli security agencies have assured that Eilat is well protected and not currently under immediate threat. The establishment of the medical faculty, 77 years after the city’s founding, is expected to significantly enhance local healthcare services and contribute to Eilat’s long-term growth and stability.