The directors of Israel’s 11 government hospitals report talks with treasury officials have collapsed and as a result, hospitals face the danger of not being capable of continuing operations due to a critical lack of funds. The directors explain they are supposed to receive 450 million shekels but the treasury is not releasing funds.

Treasury officials deny a collapse in talks with the Health Ministry, insisting constructive talks were held last week.

The directors explain the talks collapsed when the treasury insisted the 450 million would be given in the form of a loan, not as a budget. They explained they cannot runs hospitals by “borrowing money” but the government has to allocate a budget if they expect the medical facilities to continue caring for the sick.

The directors explain that without the money they cannot continue operating for the deficit is simply too large.

On Sunday 22 Kislev the treasury announced an additional 150 million shekels was being allocated to the hospitals in addition to one billion shekels agreed to in the past. The 150 million will be given as a grant, not a loan.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)