Health Ministry warns hospitals will stop treating Syrians

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman announces that Israeli hospitals will stop treating sick Syrians brought across the border except those in life-threatening conditions, starting next week.

Litzman says the new policy is in response to what he says is the treasury’s continuing refusal to fund medical care for the Syrians, leaving the hospitals to foot the bill.

Over the last four years, Israel has treated thousands of injured Syrians who arrive at the border, regardless of which side they fight on in the country’s six-year civil war.

“These patients receive dedicated and professional care, which puts a significant strain on hospital resources, on operating rooms, manpower, equipment and medical devices,” a letter from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office reads, complaining that the health system has only been partially compensated.