Israel Aims to Significantly Boost Physician Numbers by 2035

The plan addresses severe regional and professional disparities, particularly in peripheral areas. Currently, the northern and southern districts have less than half of their target numbers for key specialists in oncology, radiology, and psychiatry. For example, the southern region's neurology sector is projected to reach only 38% of its 2035 target, compared to 85% in the central district. To correct these imbalances, the ministry will direct new specialists to specific fields and regions using financial incentives, such as funding medical studies in exchange for service.

To support this growth, Israel has doubled domestic medical school enrollment from 820 students in 2020 to 1,650, with a goal of reaching 2,000 annual admissions by 2030. While the plan aims to raise the ratio of doctors per 1,000 residents to 4.2, surpassing the OECD average of 3.9, officials noted that the public will not feel the immediate impact of these changes. Additionally, according to Vesty, the plan does not directly address the recent rise in the emigration of Israeli doctors.