State of Israel Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health bears national responsibility for ensuring the health of the population of Israel. The ministry determines the policy on matters of health and medical services, and is in charge of planning, supervision and control, licensing and coordination of the health system’s services. The ministry deals with the organization, operation and provision of preventive, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation and research services - directly or via medical institutions. The ministry provides health services in the fields of hospitalization and preventive medicine, and insures the population on matters of mental health, geriatrics, public health and rehabilitation devices. The Ministry’s Vision Upholding the basic right to health and health promotion for the entire Israeli population, through a medical system striving for the utmost excellence and egalitarianism, while respecting the values of human and social dignity. Goals Quality Improvement of the diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive medical service, by setting quality indices and implementing them through a system of incentives, supervision and enforcement. Reducing Social Gaps Reducing health gaps between different societal groups. Community-Facing Strengthening the network of community health services, through preference and emphasis on preventive services, health promotion and rehabilitation within the community. Efficiency Ensuring an optimum level of medical and health services, through prioritizing according to budgetary constraints. Research Promotion of medical research. Promotion of Health and Prevention Promotion of health-friendly lifestyles, emphasizing personal and community responsibility. Public and Individual Participation Promotion of an involved, erudite public on health matters and fostering of an atmosphere conducive to its inclusion in the determination and implementation of health policy. Organizational Changes Amplification of the ministry’s function as a ministry responsible for the total health system, separation of the ministry from its role as a service provider. Mental Health Inclusion of mental health in the overall health concept. Geriatrics Promotion of health services for senior citizens through emphasis on home and community treatment.