134 days after the physicians declared a labor dispute and following 9 months of negotiations, no agreement has been reached.
On the 25th July, Dr Eidelman began a hunger strike and marched from the IMA offices in Ramat Gan to the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, calling on Netanyahu to intervene in the dispute. Throughout the week protest marches were held at local hospitals and among community physicians across the country.
Dr Eidelman arrived in Jerusalem on Friday 29th July and set up a tent in front of the Prime Minister’s office.
On Sunday 31st July approximately 3,000 doctors and residents protested at the Rose Garden opposite the Knesset, demanding a solution to the crisis in the health care system. Dr Eidelman is continuing his hunger strike, until an agreement is reached.
Earlier in the day, Dr Eidelman met with President Shimon Peres and other IMA leaders. President Peres promised that he would speak with the political leadership and the government, in order to try and reach a solution to the deadlock in negotiations. Dr Eidelman restated his call for Netanyahu to personally intervene in the negotiations.
"We were deeply honored to be hosted at the residence of the country's number one citizen. But it is not honor that we are looking for; we are looking for a solution to the problems plaguing the public health system. We need more doctors to treat our citizens." Dr Eidelman stated.
Following the demonstration the protesters marched to the Prime Minister’s residence, where Dr Eidelman presented a petition with more than 30,000 signatures calling for a solution to save the public health system in Israel.
Further work stoppages and strike action are planned for the week.
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