Israeli Medical Association warns of rising doctors emigration amid healthcare concerns

Concerns are growing over the increasing number of doctors leaving Israel to work abroad, as security, political and economic instability following 7^th October 2023, places additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

Data presented Monday at a conference on physician emigration organized by the Israeli Medical Association in Ramat Gan highlighted a sharp increase in the number of medical professionals relocating overseas.

According to the figures, the average annual number of physicians leaving Israel from the Clalit healthcare network rose from nine before 2019 to 33 since 2023, representing an increase of more than three and a half times.

The rise was particularly pronounced in community medicine, where the average number of doctors departing annually increased sixfold, from three to 18.

Among physicians working in Clalit-affiliated hospitals, the annual average rose from six to 15 over the same periods.

The findings have raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of physician emigration, particularly in specialized medical fields where replacing experienced professionals can be difficult.

Discussions and survey findings presented at the conference indicated that security concerns, political developments and economic considerations have become important factors influencing doctors’ decisions to remain in Israel or pursue opportunities abroad.

The increase in departures comes amid broader challenges facing Israel’s healthcare system following the October 2023 Hamas attack and the subsequent war, with concerns that continued emigration could affect the availability and quality of medical services.