Psychiatrists in Crisis: A Knesset Health Committee Meeting Tackles Shortages and Low Wages in Israel’s Public Health Care System

A Knesset Health Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, May 15 to discuss the shortage of qualified psychiatrists in Israel’s public health care system and the low wages for psychologists working within it. The meeting was requested by deputies Ahmad Tibi, Yaron Levi, Naama Lazimi, and Michal Woldiger.

The situation with psychiatrists is particularly dire, according to a report from the Knesset Research Department. There is a severe shortage of specialists in the country, with many above retirement age and only a small number under the age of 67 specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Negative stereotypes about the profession, along with difficulties, overloads, and low wages are cited as reasons for this shortage.

Psychologists’ salaries are also a cause for concern, with some receiving as little as 32 shekels per hour. A mother shared her experience of waiting six months to see a psychiatrist for her suicidal child suffering from anorexia due to pandemic-related delays. She emphasized the lack of proper help and support for children in crisis.

Dr. Marina Kupchik of the Israel Psychiatric Association highlighted the urgent need for more support and resources within Israel’s public health care system to address these issues. She noted that many psychiatrists have left the country or avoided working in the public health system altogether due to its challenges, leaving young doctors without positions available in their field. The Arab sector has young doctors looking to start working but no positions available for them.