Israel is taking significant steps to address the pressing issue of medical specialist shortages. The Health Ministry has released an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at redefining the healthcare landscape, setting clear targets for the number of physicians needed across various specialties by the year 2035.
Projected Growth of Physicians and Specialists
The number of doctors in Israel is expected to rise from around 37,000 to approximately 53,000 within the next decade, a notable increase of 42%. Additionally, the pool of medical specialists is projected to grow from 20,300 to 32,000, amounting to a 57% increase. With these numbers, the ratio of doctors per 1,000 residents is anticipated to rise by 16%, while the number of specialists per capita is expected to increase by a remarkable 31%. These changes could help narrow the gap with the OECD average of 3.9 doctors per 1,000 residents, potentially allowing Israel to exceed that benchmark.
Formation of the Advisory Committee
An advisory committee established in January 2025 has been instrumental in shaping these targets. Led by Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, the committee comprises 22 members from diverse sectors, including hospitals, health funds, medical organizations, and government ministries. Their collaborative efforts ensure that various perspectives are considered, making the strategic plan more balanced and comprehensive.
Increasing Enrollment in Medical Education
As part of the strategy, enrollment in medical schools is on the rise. The number of students entering medical programs in Israel surged from 820 in 2020 to 1,448 in 2025, with expectations to reach around 2,000 new students annually by 2030. This uptick is crucial, particularly in light of the Yitzhak reform aimed at regulating foreign medical graduates, ensuring that only those who meet stringent criteria can practice in Israel.
Addressing Staffing Gaps and Geographic Disparities
However, merely increasing the number of doctors may not rectify the existing staffing gaps. The Health Ministry underscores the importance of directing new specialists to areas with the highest demand. To that end, the committee assessed medical specialties and set specific growth targets. For example, obstetrics and gynecology currently has approximately 1,620 active specialists, and the committee advocates for a 25% increase by 2035, targeting around 2,550 specialists nationwide.
Geographic disparities also demand attention, particularly regarding the distribution of neurologists. In the Southern District, the current number of neurologists is only 38% of the target for 2035, while the Central District boasts 85% of its target. The ministry warns that without focused recruitment efforts, new specialists may cluster in central Israel, limiting access to crucial healthcare services in peripheral regions.
Population growth and an aging demographic will further elevate the demand for medical services, with projections indicating that over 11,000 additional specialists will be needed in Israel’s healthcare system over the next decade. The new targets aim to strategically align these specialists with the country’s evolving needs, ensuring that every community has access to essential medical care.
In summary, Israel’s Health Ministry is actively working to close the gaps in its healthcare system by planning for a significant increase in both the quantity and distribution of medical specialists.