Quick remedy for shortage
The editorial “Heal health care” (January 31) examines a very timely, pressing problem in Israel. As a result of a severe physician shortage, the waiting time for a patient to see a specialist is excessive in many pressing cases. The inability to build new medical schools, largely because of political pressure from the existing schools, is part of the issue.
Of even greater significance is the mandatory retirement age in the public sector. I have encountered many highly qualified doctors in Israel, particularly experienced specialists, who are reaching retirement age and can only continue working in the profession as a private practitioner. Many Board-certified physicians who are coming on aliyah from Western countries cannot continue practicing here because of this blanket obstacle.
It would be relatively easy to have such candidates examined for continuing capacity to practice by a Board of peers or a written exam in the specialty, as is done routinely in the United States. In total, this would be a relatively inexpensive but professionally meaningful way to resolve the current famine of medical staffs – especially in outlying areas.
GARY STEINMAN, MD, PhD
Jerusalem
There is indeed much wrong with Israeli health care system. However, I present three immediate options to start to correct the shameful situation.
1. For the shortage of doctors, extend the mandatory retirement age. I know an experienced surgeon who made aliyah and at age 67 he has found himself unemployable.
2. For the shortage of health support staff, I know of another oleh, a PhD in Occupational Therapy with a focus on research on self-regulation interventions in the second year of life for premature babies.
Both recent immigrants can deal with Hebrew in their work, want to live in Israel, have years of valuable experience – and they are ready to go back to US, as they cannot find work.
3. For the shortage of hospital beds, Herzog Hospital has 250 beds ready to go, only lacking NIS 250,000, to open their doors. Patients are lying in hospital corridors on stretchers, while the government or a philanthropic donor could remedy at least some of the overload now.
Wishing good health to all.
SHARON ALTSHUL
Jerusalem