Number of dentists declining in Israel
The ratio of dentists to patients in Israel is decreasing, according to figures published by the Health Ministry.
The figures reflect a national trend across all medical fields, including doctors, dental technicians, nurses, pharmacists and medical laboratory technicians. The statistics published in the recent report show an increase in the number of patients covered by individual physicians and health institutions, meaning health services and professionals are coming under increased pressure.
It is believed that a decrease in immigration from the former Soviet Union is to blame for the increasing ratios in the medical field; in recent years, the number of qualified health professionals coming over from the former Soviet Union has decreased steadily, meaning the proportion of medical staff to patients has declined.
Representatives from the Israel Medical Association say that the statistics published in the Health Ministry Report are very worrying. Chairman of the IMA, Dr Leonid Eidelman, said that the IMA had been warning the government about the decline in numbers of medical staff for many years and is now calling for the government to act quickly.
The IMA has called for improved salaries for doctors, dentists and other health professionals, as well as a national improvement in working conditions.
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