The basket of state-subsidized medications and technologies did not include two potentially life-saving medications used to treat colon cancer – Erbitux and Avastin – which could cost up to NIS 200 million a year more.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert opened Sunday morning’s cabinet meeting with a statement that he wanted the health basket committee to convene as soon as possible. "We are very sensitive to these patients' suffering," he said. "Their appeals are heart-rending and we will act according to the recommendations of the specially-appointed professional committee.”
He added, “I hope that we will be able to make decisions on these issues soon."
At the meeting, Likud MK and former Health Minister Danny Naveh said the government could solve the crisis by approving the additional NIS 200 million to the health basket.
An offer over the weekend by businessman and philanthropist Sami Ofer to cover one month’s supply of the medications for colon cancer patients was politely rejected by the protestors.
“We’re asking for a solution from the government,” said the demonstrators, who refused to end their hunger strike until an answer is found.
While the colon cancer patients were told to wait for a committee meeting to decide whether to subsidize their medications, however, the cabinet promptly approved the transfer of NIS 50 million in medical assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
“As a rule we do not hold contacts with Hamas, said Olmert, “because it runs a terror government,” but added that “in light of the complex reality, points of contact are inevitable.” He added, “Where contact can save lives we will do so in a manner that could not imply that we recognize the Hamas government.”
The PA is facing a medical and humanitarian crisis due to Hamas’ continued refusal to disarm, renounce terrorism, formally recognize Israel’s right to exist and uphold agreements negotiated by previous PA governments with Israel.
A large segment of the international community has refused to restore foreign aid to the terror-led PA government until Hamas changes its policies regarding terrorism and Israel.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert opened Sunday morning’s cabinet meeting with a statement that he wanted the health basket committee to convene as soon as possible. "We are very sensitive to these patients' suffering," he said. "Their appeals are heart-rending and we will act according to the recommendations of the specially-appointed professional committee.”
He added, “I hope that we will be able to make decisions on these issues soon."
At the meeting, Likud MK and former Health Minister Danny Naveh said the government could solve the crisis by approving the additional NIS 200 million to the health basket.
An offer over the weekend by businessman and philanthropist Sami Ofer to cover one month’s supply of the medications for colon cancer patients was politely rejected by the protestors.
“We’re asking for a solution from the government,” said the demonstrators, who refused to end their hunger strike until an answer is found.
While the colon cancer patients were told to wait for a committee meeting to decide whether to subsidize their medications, however, the cabinet promptly approved the transfer of NIS 50 million in medical assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
“As a rule we do not hold contacts with Hamas, said Olmert, “because it runs a terror government,” but added that “in light of the complex reality, points of contact are inevitable.” He added, “Where contact can save lives we will do so in a manner that could not imply that we recognize the Hamas government.”
The PA is facing a medical and humanitarian crisis due to Hamas’ continued refusal to disarm, renounce terrorism, formally recognize Israel’s right to exist and uphold agreements negotiated by previous PA governments with Israel.
A large segment of the international community has refused to restore foreign aid to the terror-led PA government until Hamas changes its policies regarding terrorism and Israel.