Despite an ongoing series of sanctions and protests launched by the Israeli Medical Association six weeks ago, negotiations with the government on public health reform and increased wages for physicians remain unsuccessful.
In an Army Radio interview last week, Treasury wage chief Ilan Levin said that doctors were performing "murder" by endangering patients during strikes and sanctions. Following the incident, the IMA suspended all negotiations until an apology was issued.
Levin has since apologized, stating that while he opposes the doctors' actions and demands, he has much appreciation for the work and contributions of doctors to society and their professional level, and that the use of the word "murder" was out of context and does not represent his views.
The IMA welcomed the apology, adding that if it had been issued earlier during the last negotiating session, he would have saved "three days of needless strife." IMA Chairman Dr. Leonid Eidelman stated that it is “unfortunate that Ilan Levin continues to question the legitimacy of the doctors’ struggle despite the fact that it is legitimate legally and morally.”
Throughout the strikes, the IMA’s “exception committees” have worked to ensure that all urgent medical needs are addressed. The committees have approved more than half of the 100 requests for treatment presented by patients and their doctors.
On Tuesday May 3rd, another set of doctor strikes began, putting public hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout the country on a restricted schedule for the remainder of the week and part of the following week as well.
Sanctions were held on Wednesday in a number of the Clalit Health Services and Kupat Holim Leumit community clinics. Clalit clinics of the Sharon/Shomron District were closed in Ra'anana, Herzliya, Kfar Saba, Netanya, Hadera-South, Beersheba, Kiryat Gat, Netivot, Ashkelon and Sderot. Leumit Jerusalem District community health clinics were shut down as well.
On Thursday, outpatient clinics in hospitals south of Tel Aviv and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center will be closed.
On Sunday May 8th, a majority of the country's pathologists will attend a pathology conference, which will significantly reduce operations scheduled to occur on that day which require the examination of biopsies for cancer and other diseases.
No sanctions will be held on Memorial Day for the Fallen or on Independence Day.
On Thursday May 12th, outpatient clinics will be closed in all public hospitals north of Tel Aviv and at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.
As usual, physicians will continue to treat all patients in life-threatening situations, even on days of serious sanctions.
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