Litzman promises poor will get lifesaving drugs free even if not in health basket

“The poor will get these drugs free; the rich can manage on their own,” Health Minister says at MDA conference.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Updated: DECEMBER 29, 2015 22:01
Health Minister MK Ya’acov Litzman at Magen David Adom conference, December 28, 2015 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Health Minister MK Ya’acov Litzman at Magen David Adom conference, December 28, 2015
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Health Minister MK Ya’acov Litzman intends to include coverage of lifesaving drugs in the basket of services paid for by the health funds for low-income patients who urgently need them.
“The poor will get these drugs free; the rich can manage on their own,” the minister said at a professional conference of Magen David Adom in Tel Aviv on Monday.
Litzman (United Torah Judaism) told the assembled group he “envied” MDA staffers for their constant saving of lives, and related the story of a paramedic who tried for a long period to resuscitate the victim of a terrorist stabbing but failed and then broke down in tears.
The health minister said there was “no truth” to the rumor that one of the four health funds – Leumit Health Services – would close and be taken over by Meuhedet Health Services. Leumit, the smallest of the funds, will continue to exist, he assured those gathered, saying competition is beneficial.
New and advanced technological devices for saving lives that are or will be used by MDA were presented at the event, including a video broadcast from the scene of an incident to the call center so the hospitals can know the exact condition of wounded and injured patients due to arrive at their emergency rooms.