Ashkelon Mayor Benny Vaknin on Sunday stated Deputy Defense Minister Yaakov Litzman’s position opposing the transfer of kevarim at the proposed site of the fortified emergency room of Barzilai Hospital irresponsible, accusing him of abandoning 500,000 people who rely on Barzilai for medical care.
Speaking to Israel Radio on Sunday afternoon, the mayor explained the rockets are once again flying and the construction of the new fortified wing is a matter of “pikuach nefesh”. He stated that the alternative plan suggested by the minister is simply unacceptable, explaining it is too costly and will result in too many delays, stating every day that passes is criminal as the new unit should have been under construction a long time ago.
Vaknin spoke of the need for an MRI, additional beds and equipment, stating the situation is critical and during Operation Cast Lead, most of the patients had to be evacuated and today, the new unit could be close to completed if not for the delays surrounding the kevarim.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
500,000 is a big exaggeration. There are hospitals in Beer Sheva and Cholon, as well as Tzrifin.
The area served by Barzilai is indeed very large (and it is shameful that Ashdod does not have a hospital!), but it’s not 500,000 people.