Israel – a leader in quality of life
In a comparison conducted by the UN regarding quality of life in 182 countries, Israel ranked 27th, only slightly lower than the U.K.
Israel’s health care system is one of the most advanced in the world
Israel’s health care system is on par with the best the world has to offer, and in a number of areas Israel even holds record achievements. Quality of health service is expressed in the national health budget – about 8.5% of GNP –a percentage similar to that of developed European countries. A comparative study conducted by the World Health Organization ranks Israel above most OECD countries, in both achievements and efficiency.
Israel has a comprehensive health care system: preventive medicine and community medicine for the general public, top quality hospitals, and excellent rehabilitation facilities.
Over the years Israel has seen profound improvements in the health citizens that can be attributed to the successful implementation of a socialized health care system, rising quality of life, environmental awareness and the successful inculcation of the importance of a healthy life style.
Equality in medicine in accordance with Israeli law
As opposed to health care systems in other Western countries, Israel’s health care system provides every resident with an opportunity to be treated by any doctor, at any medical institute – free of charge. In addition, the invention and development of drugs, treatments and new technologies improve the health care system’s ability to treat many diseases and other health problems, and so increases the range of medical activity and importance of health care to the economy. The benefit to society is seen in improved population health, improved welfare, improved fertility, slowing down of aging and increasing of life expectancy (which is already relatively high compared to other developed countries).
Israel is a leader in biotechnology development
Biotechnology brings with it a future of innovation and improvements in medicine and health care. Three Nobel prizes recently awarded to Israeli scientists were in the field of biotechnology. Science fiction writers' dream of organs regrown in labs to replace damaged once is getting closer to realization through control of stem cell growth and differentiation.
Israeli medical developments are used in the best operating rooms across the world
In hospitals and clinics around the world you can see Israel’s impact on the medical field: electronic devices for computerized tests, pills with video cameras inside to view the intestines, flexible yet resistant artery support for treating heart disease (coronary stent), breast cancer exams that don’t require use of radiation, and a long list of cutting-edge drugs such as Copaxone used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, a collaboration between Israel’s high tech skills and medical needs has led to the development of software that monitors and manages diseases in hospitals to minimize human error.
Israel – a leader in cancer survival rate in the western world
According to world data, Israel is among the leading countries in cancer survival rates.
Israel developed a drug that delays Alzheimer’s and helps Parkinson’s patients
The new drug, developed by Teva, is the result of work by R&D personnel together with researchers from the Technion in Haifa. Development of the drug took 16 years and over 100 million dollars. Today, Teva is one of the leading companies in the world in drug development and production.
Between 1996-1998, the FDA approved Copaxone and Rebif, two of the three existing drug treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, both of which were developed in the Weizmann Institute.
Israel developed a revolutionary pill for diagnosing diseases of the digestive system
In 1998, the Israeli company Given Imagining, developed the PillCam for examining the esophagus and digestive tract. PillCam is a patient-friendly video recording pill that can be swallowed and allows doctors to examine the digestive system. The camera increases exam effectiveness by 25% compared with traditional exams. In 2003, Given Imaging received the European Union Grand Prix award, for “Invention with the highest impact on human life”.
Israel developed the first biological computer
ПIn 2001, Prof. Ehud Shapira from the Weizmann Institute developed the first biological computer. Following this breakthrough, more advanced models were developed including the biological molecular computer for diagnosing and treating cancer, and a computer built entirely of enzymes and DNA.
A pen for identifying unwanted substances in bodily fluids
Medical researchers in Israel developed a device that looks like a regular pen, but tests and identifies unwanted substances in bodily fluids. The pen has highly sensitive optical fibers that are capable of detecting foreign objects and substances.
President of the Technion, Prof Peretz Lavie, in cooperation with Robert P. Schnall, developed innovative technology for diagnosing breathing disorders during sleep by monitoring blood flow in the fingers. This is a breakthrough achievement for diagnosing sleep disorders.
Israel has one of the highest fertility treatment and obstetrics success rates
Israel is a fertility world power, holding the in-vitro fertility treatment world record relative to its population, with 25 fertility treatment clinics throughout the country. Every year, 3400 fertility treatments are preformed per million residents. In comparison, in France the number of fertility treatments is only 600, and in the U.K., 500. Only in Israel does the health care system fund as many fertility treatments as needed for up to two children, or until women reach the age of 45.
Israel and plastic surgery
Beauty and health treatments are an integral part of Israeli culture. Advances in medicine and the emphasis on aesthetics in Western culture have led to a boom in the field of plastic surgery in Israel. Today, in Israel, you can modify any part of your body, make wrinkles disappear, tighten skin and shed years and pounds off your looks. Plastic surgery professionals are registered in the Society for Plastic Surgery.
Alternative medicine flourishes in Israel
Alternative medicine has grown and developed in Israel in recent years. Throughout the country, HMOs, hospitals and private clinics host a variety of alternative medicine practitioners, using Chinese medicine and other methods from the Far East. Residents and visitors to Israel are free to pick treatments for both their bodies and/or souls. (source)
