Health Minister Yaakov Litzman responded to protests against him at a physician’s conference held in southern Israel. He explains he did not disturb the protestors for he understands them and much of what they say is simply correct and he is working on the issues.
Minister Yaakov Litzman spoke to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai, explaining the plans to build an additional hospital in Beersheva in addition to Soroka Medical Center. He stated there is already a plot of land allocated for it, a facility that would begin between 300-500 beds.
Galei Tzahal
Are you adding physicians and beds to Soroka?
Litzman
I have set up frontal emergency rooms in surrounding areas including Rahat and Dimona and this has removed considerable strain from the hospital. These emergency rooms can take care of many issues, almost everything other than a heart attack and other maladies that require hospitalization.
Galei Tzahal
Is there a MRI in these emergency rooms?
Litzman
No. perhaps you forgot that until a few months ago, there were no MRIs in some hospitals and I made sure to change this and continue working to improve.
Galei Tzahal
Something here is unclear to me. The speaker before you claimed there is one half the amount of doctors and beds in Soroka than in Tel Aviv. Is this correct?
Litzman
No. We also worked to bring more doctors to Soroka at a high cost. We are now renewing this with the Finance Minister. I cannot tell you an exact number but it is sufficient. We are now working to bring more specialists to the area.
Galei Tzahal
So the protest was simply a provocation?
Litzman
I never said this. If they want to protest I respect this. Not that I do not have what to say but they are entitled to protest. I have nothing against them and I have patience. Life expectancy in Israel is among the highest in the world but in the periphery, it is lower and it is not good and I am dealing with it.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
4 Responses
KOL HKAVOD to Health Minister Yaakov Litzman. His work for the public is a KEDUSH HASHEM.
The Critics Against Me Are Correct In This Case
wow!!!!!!!! has anyone, ever heards such words
from a politican ever before?!?!!!!
Anyone gonna report what they were protesting? Nice article but not very informative
How do I contact Minister Litzman? According to health officials I spoke with, residents of Bet Shemesh should get priority for MRI’s (no idea why.) I have to wait 5 MONTHS. It’s just not normal. I’d like him to explain why no hospital in the country can do the MRI before the end of March… so I can have the surgery I need.