BICOM

The crisis in Israel’s medical services continues to escalate, as on Wednesday 400 more residents resigned, whilst 200 additional senior doctors handed in letters of resignation in solidarity. As a settlement between the Israel Medical Association and the government remains elusive, the prolonged medical crisis in Israel has become an acute political issue. Many of Israel’s largest hospitals have been affected, with reports of overcrowding in emergency rooms and the closure of outpatient clinics.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and deputy Health Minister Yaakov Lizman announced last night that Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef will be appointed as special advisor to the Health Ministry on the residents’ crisis. Earlier yesterday, Health Ministry Director General Dr. Roni Gamzu harshly criticised the Finance Ministry’s handling of the crisis. It is hoped that Mor-Yosef will be able to rebuild trust with the striking medical staff and find a solution to the crisis.