While the number of doctors per capita remains higher in Israel than other Western nations, findings of a study conducted for the Health Ministry indicate that this figure has been slowly but consistently declining for close to 10 years and could spell a severe crisis if not addressed now.
"It takes seven years to fully train a physician and four to train a nurse. That is why we must take action now," said Gabi Ben Nun, director general of economics and health insurance at the Health Ministry.
The number of licensed doctors under the age of 65 in Israel in 2006 stood at 25,183. This figure breaks down to 3.5 doctors per 1,000 people. The number of doctors increased per year in Israel until 1999, since which time a moderate decline has been taking place, the committee said.
"It takes seven years to fully train a physician and four to train a nurse. That is why we must take action now," said Gabi Ben Nun, director general of economics and health insurance at the Health Ministry.
The number of licensed doctors under the age of 65 in Israel in 2006 stood at 25,183. This figure breaks down to 3.5 doctors per 1,000 people. The number of doctors increased per year in Israel until 1999, since which time a moderate decline has been taking place, the committee said.