_a.jpg "צילום: ירון ברנר")
Free meds for Holocaust survivors? Not just yet
Holocaust survivors were slated to receive free medication as of mid September, however government bureaucracy is stalling the much needed reform
The plan to provide Holocaust survivors with free medication has yet to follow through, despite a summer decision on a medial support system for the victims.
The Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims holds data according to which 30 survivors die every day, including needy individuals who forfeit their medication in favor of food. The government reform aims at assisting the survivors, however it appears governmental ministries are in no rush to implement it.
The Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors (COHSI), which represents the survivors in Israel, is calling for a speedy decision.
"We call on all decision-makers on this matter to reach a reality-conscience decision with the deserved sensitivity and stop the foot-dragging. The Holocaust survivors are entitled to the drugs by right and not privilege," a statement issued by the center read.
The COHSI intends to raise the issue during a meeting headed by PMO Director General Eyal Gabai which will be attended by other heads of governmental ministries.
COHSI acting chairman Ze'ev Factor told Ynet, "Time is running out on the Holocaust survivors. These people are 80-years-old and over. These consultations should end and a quick and positive summation needs to be achieved. We mustn't forget that every day Holocaust survivors are brought to rest and the drugs can prolong their lives. The lives of people who can't afford medication are at stake and the government representatives need to realize this."
The Ministry of Social Affairs stated in response that government representatives are holding ongoing discussions with the HMOs to further a decision to allocate NIS 20 million (roughly $5.5 million) for medical support for the Holocaust survivors.
The Ministry of Health did not comment on the issue and only stated, "The Ministry of Health together with the Ministry of Social Affairs is working to promote a project which will exempt the Holocaust survivors of payment for medication."
Sources in the Ministry of Finance revealed that there are sufficient funds and that the problem lies in bureaucratic foot-dragging between the government ministries. "A budget of NIS 20 million has been allocated for the program.
"The ministries of health, finance and social affairs are working together to establish an apparatus through which the funds will be transferred. Once this is settled the program will set into motion," their statement read.
