Two people were arrested, a resident of Jerusalem and Betar Illit, both in their twenties, for allegedly taking money from people for expediting medical services in Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital. (names of suspects on file)
Police received a tip from the hospital’s security officer, who realized the two were brokering between patients and certain hospital employees to move people ahead in lines, taking a fee for their services. It appears they have been operating for a few months and have earned “thousands of shekels” for their services, authorities are reporting.
Charges against the two include fraud and bribery. They were arraigned and the main player was remanded until Sunday and the second suspect released with restrictions.
Police urge anyone who is approached with an offer to expedite medical care in return for payment to file a complaint with police.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Sadly that’s really the only way to get medical attention in that country. Their doctors are great but they too are hostages of the insurance system known as ביטוח לאומי. Even if a doctor were to take a culture for strep the lab will not process that culture for 3-4 days and the doctor can not do it in his office unless he owns the office privately. (Rapids can be done, but they’re only correct 50-60% of the time.)
Without ‘Prutektzia’ someone who is need of medical attention might get a call back for an appointment after his מצבה has been erected!