Beginning today, the Lahak Company will no longer provide medivac helicopter transport from the scene of accidents in northern Israel due to a heavy debt. Company officials’ report the Ministry of Health and the insurance companies have not made payment for hundred of emergency medivac flights carried out last year. Medical officials lamented the announcement, explaining critical care patients and accident victims will pay the price, with the realization the new reality translates to significant delays in urgent cases reaching hospital emergency rooms.

Company officials’ add that based on their past experience, this will manifest itself in two fatalities a week as a result of extended transport times. Shmuel Abuav, who heads the Ohr Yarok accident prevention organization has made an urgent appeal to Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz to find an immediate solution.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)