Health Minister Yaakov Litzman on Tuesday morning 18 Shevat addressed the ministry’s annual kenos, explaining if one requiring urgent surgery has to wait more than 30 days, the patients will be entitled to have the procedure performed in a hospital that does not have an agreement with the HMO. Litzman added that in non-urgent cases, a patient will be entitled to select a hospital should the waiting period exceed 60 days.

“Israel’s healthcare system faces meaningful challenges. This is a crucial in terms of service to the public and the accessibility to the public of the nation’s healthcare system” the minister stated, adding “We announced a move to encourage good nutrition following the conclusions of the commission addressing the matter and we will soon begin labeling foods…I am a big believer in the process and the ability to create a change in the dietary habit of the citizens of Israel. Prevention of disease is as important as medicine”.

The minister declared war on three major issues: to cut waiting lines in emergency rooms, eradication and reduction of epidemic infections, and promoting the periphery. “Those are our core activities of the Health Ministry and we will fight for them” he stated.

Litzman explained in the coming year he will address the long waiting periods for persons requiring a procedure, adding he and his staff are well-aware of the lines and the waits. Litzman added that he learned from his participation in an OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) conference, seeing the methods used by a number of advanced nations.

He acknowledged that geriatric care needs vast improvement and that the current situation is intolerable. He has numerous persons and agencies from within and outside of the ministry to curtail the suffering endured today by the patient and family.

Regarding cigarettes, he dismissed accusations against him working with tobacco companies, insisting “There has not been a deputy minister or minister that has worked as hard as I to prevent smoking”.

He emphasized his opposition to smoking of any kind and his commitment to continue working to reduce and eliminate smoking.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)