The Israeli health system is in need of an additional 40 million Shekels to its budget in the face of challenges expected in the winter ahead, according to a memo released Tuesday.
According to the Health Ministry's calculations the 2019-2020 winter which is expected to be especially severe, the health system will be required to meet demands beyond its capabilities.
Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman said he had complete faith in the medical teams on the ground, but more budget is needed. "Israel's health system is among the best in the world and has the best professionals that are able to face the challenges ahead, but an immediate addition to the budget is necessary in order to provide the needed care."
There are insufficient beds in hospitals and more staff must be recruited to meet needs.
All internal medicine wards are operating at above 100% capacity.
Health authorities note that the flue virus is expected to be more severe this year based on data collected in Australia, that has been an indicator used by the local authorities.
If the dire expectations come true, hospitals will have no place to treat patients and even ward corridors already used for beds, will be full.
Israel has been without an elected government since last spring and two election cycles have not yielded a clear winner who can form a coalition and prepare a much-needed budget for all of the county's needs and the health system is but one of the victims of this.
A non-governmental forum advocating for proper funding for health in Israel, has submitted a letter to health authorities and medical staff unions saying, "there are billions found to finance election campaigns, surely the money can be found to save Israel's ailing health system."