Doctors employed in the nation’s government-run hospitals made good on their threat and began a strike on Thursday morning 7 Menachem Av. This is the result of a breakdown in talks between physicians and the Finance Ministry. Israel Medical Association (IMA) officials explained it is not about additional salary or benefits for them, but about saving the nation’s healthcare service from total collapse. They insist there is a critical shortage of doctors as the system struggles to meet the growing demands of the nation, albeit unsuccessfully. IMA officials add the lines are too long, as is the average waiting time for diagnostic tests and follow-up visits.

Hadassah Hospitals spokesperson Hadar Elboim released a message to the media on Thursday morning that it turned to the labor court seeking a back-to-work order. The petition was successful and Hadassah doctors were ordered back on the job no later than 10:00AM.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)