Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov Resigns After Nine Years

Moshe Bar Siman Tov, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health, announced his resignation on Tuesday, effective in the coming weeks. He has served a cumulative total of approximately nine years at the helm of the ministry. Bar Siman Tov will ensure a smooth transition and handover to his successor.

Bar Siman Tov led the Ministry of Health through challenging wartime periods, during which several health ministers served. The current minister, Chaim Ketz, also holds portfolios for Housing, Welfare, and Tourism in the transitional government.

Upon his departure, Bar Siman Tov is expected to join Columbia University in New York, where he will conduct research and write about how health systems cope with national trauma, focusing on Israel's recent experiences. During his tenure, the health system faced significant challenges, including leading the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and managing the care of thousands of casualties during the "Swords of Iron" war, as well as facilitating the return of hostages and maintaining operations under ongoing emergency threats.

Beyond emergency management, Bar Siman Tov spearheaded key initiatives such as the national mental health program, designed to address widespread national trauma, and efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure and services in peripheral areas. The ministry noted that during these years, the system solidified its position as the public institution with the highest public trust in Israel.

In his farewell statement, Bar Siman Tov expressed confidence in the Israeli health system's strength and professionalism, highlighting the dedication of its staff. He stated that the system's commitment has earned it 87% public trust, exceeding all other public institutions. He also thanked Minister Ketz and former ministers Uriel Buso, Moshe Arbel, and MK Aryeh Deri for their trust and partnership, as well as his colleagues for their collaboration during these complex years.

Minister of Health Chaim Ketz acknowledged Bar Siman Tov's significant contributions, commending his professional leadership during difficult times and his commitment to public health. Ketz thanked him for their productive collaboration in improving medical services and patient care, wishing him success in his future endeavors.