Israel boasts an advanced healthcare system, featuring high-performing physicians and affordable medicine. Notable among its world-class education and research is Israel’s reputation for special care treatment of chronic conditions – thus ranking its healthcare among the best worldwide. Israelis rank their country’s health care as among the finest.
Israel citizens who require healthcare can join one of four public healthcare service providers known as Kupat Cholim. Each plan offers standard “Health Basket” and “Medication Basket” benefits as well as customized basket options depending on which plan is chosen; some services may incur co-payments; additionally some Israelis purchase additional insurance policies called Bituach Mashlim for additional coverage.
On average, most Israelis who participate in Kupat Cholim pay approximately $250-$350 monthly for healthcare costs, which cover visits and medication as well as hospital stays. Some services that fall outside this plan must also be paid out-of-pocket; these may include dental and optical care as well as some mental health services.
Israel receives considerable financial aid from the US, although much of it isn’t directly allocated towards healthcare services. Most US aid goes toward military assistance and security cooperation – this allows Israel to dedicate a larger share of its budget towards health-related spending and other social services.
The United States provides $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel. While this money could have been put toward meeting other community needs such as healthcare, critics believe that its use in purchasing weapons that kill Palestinian people or seize their land in violation of international law is wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.
In addition to providing direct financial aid for Israel’s healthcare system, the United States contributes significantly to other aspects of Israeli society as well. For example, it promotes cultural and academic exchange programs which serve to strengthen bilateral ties and foster greater understanding between nations.
Israel boasts an excellent healthcare system, yet must remember it is still developing country. To remain as a world leader in healthcare provision, the nation must continue improving infrastructure and efficiency levels in the health system. To achieve this goal, healthcare systems will need to shift toward being patient-centric with an increased emphasis on disease and injury prevention. Furthermore, nations should invest in research and development as this allows them to stay abreast of technological advancements within medicine. Furthermore, nations should endeavor to decrease their reliance on foreign financial support while creating their own sources of income so as to maintain themselves as powerful democracies.