“There is no doubt regarding the lack in the number of hospital and emergency rooms beds, but one must remember this is the same picture that we see every year during the winter months, and the media is more than happy to show them, to attack me and even more so, because we are in an election period. The state of Israeli medicine has never been better, and I promise, next year, the situation will improve” stated Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is under growing attack for the poor condition of Israel’s healthcare system.

Litzman defended his office in an interview in the daily Yisrael Hayom newspaper, as he was photographed on Monday visiting Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Hospitals, which report they are filled to 300% of capacity, with patients found on gurneys in hallways, closets and wherever a space can be found.

“We have one of the best health systems in the world,” says Litzman, who was exposed to the astonishing figures that since Shabbos as hundreds of people have been hospitalized in Jerusalem. “On the other hand, there is an increase in life expectancy, which causes older people to become more exposed to diseases and infections. We need to bring about a better quality of life,” he added.

In the article, Litzman attacks former Health Minister Yael German and former Finance Minister Yair Lapid: “They were busy cutting back and harming the chareidi sector. I turned the Health Ministry into a wanted one. I believe I will remain in the office because the public is pleased with me. For me it is not a springboard for another job.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)