All four of Israel’s health funds have had budget surpluses since 2004, according to a Ministry of Health public report, released today. The report states that Clalit Health Services, Kupat Holim Meuhedet and Leumit Health Services first achieved surpluses in 2004, Maccabi Healthcare Services had already done so in 2002.
Clalit Health Services wentd from a NIS 106 million deficit to a surplus of NIS 4 million. The health fund boasts that were it not for millions of shekels of investment in property development and equipment for its hospitals and community clinics, it would have had an even larger surplus.
The four health funds spent an aggregate NIS 24.3 billion in 2004. The breakdown of spending included: hospitalization - 44%; salaries - 25%; and drugs - 20%. Average per capita spending on drugs and medical equipment by the health funds was NIS 685 in 2004: Clalit Health Services - NIS 650; Leumit Health Services - NIS 723; Kupat Holim Meuhedet - NIS 738; and Maccabi Healthcare Services - NIS 741.
The report indicates that public spending on healthcare is rising. The amount of drugs and medical devices the health funds sold to their members rose by 10.7% in 2004. According to the latest State Comptroller report, the public’s spending on healthcare corresponded with a sharp drop in state spending on healthcare in recent years.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on November 12, 2006
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