Prof. Nachman Ash, the chair of the National Institute for Health Policy Research and former Director General of the Ministry of Health, emphasizes the importance of creating a strategic plan to improve public health resilience and preparedness. He stresses the urgent need for mental health treatment in Israel, where there is a severe shortage of therapists and a lengthy process to address this issue.
Prof. Haim Bitterman, the scientific director of the Institute, highlights the overwhelming need for mental health services in a system that was already struggling. The experts are concerned about the long-term effects of recent conflicts on Israeli public health, particularly among vulnerable populations like children.
A recent survey has shown disturbing trends among evacuees, including changes in eating habits and physical activity levels. This raises concerns about neglected routine health screenings and preventative measures during times of crisis. Decreased compliance with these tests can lead to late-stage disease detection and other complications.
Prof. Hagai Levin emphasizes the need for personalized rehabilitation programs as well as alternative therapies like art, sports, and nature therapy.
The Ministry of Health is developing a comprehensive plan focused on promoting resilience, nutrition, physical activity, smoking prevention to address the mental and physical health needs of Israelis. Community collaboration is essential in finding solutions.
Individuals are encouraged to prioritize their health during challenging times by taking small steps towards overall wellness.
The goal is to mitigate negative effects from conflicts on public health while promoting overall wellness in Israel’s population.
