Unprecedented Calls for Affordable Pricing in Hospital Coffee Stands: A Complex Issue Demanding Urgent Action

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the high prices of food products sold at coffee stands in hospitals. The shoppers at these stands are a captive audience, either bound to the hospital to feed their relatives or being hospitalized themselves. Hospitals have the power to make low pricing a condition in the tender process, but in the past, it was claimed that they prioritized profit from franchisees over affordable pricing. Despite statements from the Ministry of Health regarding potential intervention in controlling prices in hospitals, no significant action has been taken.

As a result, Dr. Dalia Shilian, Chief Economist of the Consumer Protection Authority, suggested including a threshold price for certain products in tender terms. Charlo, the director of the Department of Supervision of Hospitalization at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for determining basic products for supervision such as water and coffee. Legislation initiated by the Ministry of Economy would be necessary for effective supervision.

However, some argue that hospitals struggle to find suitable franchisees and sometimes place electrical devices for food sellers. Shlomi Grossman, head of purchasing at “Klelit,” outlined a uniform tender process with a supervised price list in medical centers. However, Yoav Sibor raised concerns about increased price control potentially harming hospital revenues and financial stability.

MK June whistles (Shas), chairman of the committee criticized the Ministry of Economy’s response to this issue and demanded detailed positions on food product supervision in hospitals. He called for a comprehensive inspection of hospitals to determine which food products could be monitored and suggested guidelines for fixed and reduced pricing essential products sold in hospitals.

Overall, it is clear that there are complex issues surrounding food product sales in hospitals that require further investigation and consideration from various stakeholders.