Israel’s Healthcare Reforms: Addressing Disparities and Improving Access to Medical Equipment

The Israeli Ministry of Health has recently announced reforms aimed at improving the distribution of medical equipment and increasing access to essential devices for patients. These changes will streamline the process and make it easier for people to obtain the care they need.

A recent report has highlighted disparities in the health system, with more people dying in remote areas. This underscores the need for improvements in healthcare services in these regions.

Prof. Shaul Thazif, Director of the Licensing Division of Medical Professions at the Ministry of Health, has been advocating for changes to regulations that have been pending for 14 years. The current Minister of Health has taken steps to promote the drafting and regulation of these laws, including transitional provisions for those currently working in the healthcare field in Israel.

At a recent committee meeting, amendments were discussed to regulations governing health professions practice. Transitional provisions will now recognize studies completed abroad and ease requirements for exams, practical training, and supervised work for individuals already working in Israel’s healthcare sector. These changes are intended to encourage immigration and absorption into this field.

Furthermore, discussions centered on regulations related to exam subjects, supervised work requirements, permits, and practical training needed to obtain certification. The implementation of a ban on unauthorized individuals claiming to be chiropractors will be postponed by two years to allow organizations time to comply with new regulations.

Dr. Yitzhak Cohen emphasized the importance of practical training in completing studies and obtaining certification as a chiropractor during his address at the committee meeting. MK Yoni Meshriki (Shas) stressed how important it is to regulate additional professions within complementary medicine in Israel so that imposters can be prevented from operating within this field.

These reforms show that Israel is committed to improving its healthcare system by implementing measures that increase accessibility and efficiency while also ensuring safety standards are met.