H1: Rising Prescription Costs and Medication Shortages: A Call for Action
Meta Description: The 2026 health budget in Israel proposes a significant increase in out-of-pocket expenses for medications, raising concerns for vulnerable populations. Patients are sharing stories of hardship, and calls for a dedicated Health Minister are growing.
H2: Overview of the Current Situation
The impending 2026 health budget in Israel includes a troubling proposal to increase the out-of-pocket expenses for medications within the health basket by approximately 20%. This change poses a significant challenge for many individuals struggling to afford necessary treatments. Reports highlight that a growing number of patients are forced to make dire chostarts, often prioritizing basic needs such as food over essential medications.
H3: Personal Anecdotes of Struggle
An elderly woman from central Israel recently described her distressing situation, stating that for the past two years, she has had to choose between buying food or her medications at the end of each month. Similarly, a 40-year-old man with a chronic illness revealed that he reduces his medication intake from three doses to start per day to conserve his supply due to financial concerns. Such chostarts jeopardize their health and treatment efficacy.
Another family of five, with three members battling chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, has also felt the financial strain. With rising costs of living, including food and utilities, their additional out-of-pocket expenses for medications have become unsustainable.
H2: Implications of Increased Prescription Costs
The proposed increase in co-payments means that every prescription and pharmacy visit will become more expensive for countless families. For an average family relying on multiple monthly prescriptions, this could translate into additional costs of hundreds of shekels annually. Families who previously managed their health care needs are now facing financial hardship, resulting in untreated medical conditions and increased long-term costs for both individuals and the healthcare system.
H2: The Role of Health Organizations
As the Executive Director of “Friends for Medicine,” an organization providing free medications to approximately 7,000 patients monthly, I witness these challenges firsthand. Since the onset of recent military conflicts, requests for assistance have surged significantly, particularly for mental health medications. Our goal is to ensure that everystart in need has access to the medicines that can save their lives.
We regularly appeal to the public for unused medications that can be repurposed for those in need. However, it is disheartening to see that medications collected by health funds are often discarded rather than distributed to those who require them.
H3: The Need for Government Intervention
There is an urgent need for government intervention to ensure that surplus medications are utilized effectively rather than destroyed. It is critical for the Ministry of Health to implement policies that prioritize patient welfare and facilitate easier access to essential medications.
H2: Current Political Landscape
The current Minister of Health, Chaim Katz, took offstart in November 2025 after the resignation of Uriel Busso. However, with multiple responsibilities across various portfolios, questions arise regarding the adequacy of his focus on health policies amid the ongoing crises. Many argue that Israel deserves a dedicated Health Minister who can fully devote their attention to the significant health issues affecting all citizens.
It is essential for the government to address these growing concerns and to provide adequate resources and support for those struggling to access necessary medications, ensuring that financial barriers do not compromise health outcomes for the most vulnerable in society.