There are growing concerns surrounding the scheduled resignation of the nation’s medical residents serving in hospitals around the country. The residents rejected a recent settlement that ended a strike of the nation’s physicians, and have broken away from the Israel Medical Association, accusing the latter of selling them out, announcing they are going to strike despite the signed agreement.

One of those concerned is Prof. Roni Gamzu, the director-general of the Ministry of Health, who released a statement on Sunday morning (Oct. 2) that when the residents walk off the job on Tuesday (Oct. 4), the healthcare system may simply collapse, explaining the hospitals will be sorely understaffed and incapable of handling the patient load. Gamzu fears for the lives of the seriously and critically ill, who simply must be monitored constantly, aware this will not be the case in the absence of the residents.

Gamzu warned “We are dealing in human life here”, calling on the parties to reach a solution to avert the walkout.

A representative of the residents, Dr. Gil Ganot of Rambam Medical Center in Haifa spoke with Reshet Bet Radio on Sunday morning, telling Yaron Dekel that while he and his colleagues prefer to remain here in Israel, if left with no alternative, they will relocate to another country as some have already done, aware they cannot make a living as physicians in Israel. He explains that they are determined to work as physicians and if that is not possible here, they will go elsewhere.

The strike will begin on Tuesday, and the residents will walk off the job during the two weeks that follow, impacting government hospitals. One hospital that will be hit hard is Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, with 142 residents preparing to walk out. Other hospitals impacted include Tel Hashomer (Tel Aviv), Rambam (Haifa), and Meir (Kfar Saba). A total of 734 residents will be leaving their posts during the strike if an agreement is not reached.

Senior physicians have been notified that they will be compelled to take shifts towards filling the void. All vacations have been canceled as have lectures and continuing medical education events. Health system officials acknowledge however that this is not a long-term solution to the problem.

Complicating the situation is the fact that the residents are not only at odds with the state, but with the Israel Medical Association for accepting a deal which the residents feel does not adequately address their needs.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)