It appears all but unavoidable, that doctors in Israel’s government-run hospitals will walk off the job as threatened on Thursday morning 7 Menachem Av. The hospitals targeted in the strike will operate on a limited Shabbos schedule. The Israel Medical Association (IMA) feels this appears to be the only way to send a clear message to the Health Minister and Ministry officials that if funds are not infused into the nation’s ailing health system, it will collapse.

The secretary of the IMA, attorney Leah Wafner explains “This is not about additional money for doctors but a fight to save the nation’s public health system and the quality of healthcare”. She adds that the strike will impact regular hospitals as well as psychiatric and geriatric hospitals. Wafner explains there is a dire need to hire additional doctors and personnel to shorten lines and improve patient care.

Wafner adds the Arrangements Law not only doesn’t include an increase for the nation’s healthcare system but there is budgetary cut.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)