It will be five-to-six years until the hospital exists but the final approval was given and the nation’s newest hospital is approved for construction, in Ashdod. Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yechiel Lasri publically thanked Deputy Minister of Health Rav Yaakov Litzman, stating that without the deputy minister’s tenacious efforts this would not be a reality. He explained that in all reality, Litzman is the minister and his is truly interested in improving and advancing medical care around the country.

The monetary negotiations between the treasury and Bank Leumi were ongoing for months as the bank has to give the green light for go ahead based in guarantees the government and future governments will continue to honor the commitment to build the hospital.

Actual construction is expected to begin within a year and completion is scheduled for May 2017. The project budget is 650 million NIS, a facility that will have 300 beds. The hospital will be a public hospital. This will be the first public hospital constructed in Israel in 30 years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)