Health Care in Israel

Abstract

In March 1983, the 8,500-member Israel Medical Association began a 3 1/2-month-long strike which culminated in a hunger strike by an estimated 2,000 physicians. Since most Israeli physicians work for either the country's biggest labor union or for the Ministry of Health, the action affected virtually all civilian clinics and hospitals. The strike ended when the Israeli government, bowing to public pressure, agreed to significant physician wage increases and reduced working hours. Greenberg discusses the course and social implications of this landmark work stoppage by members of the medical profession. (KIE abstract)