Israel's extensive medical network and high doctor-patient ratio are reflected in the low infant mortality rate (5.4 per 1,000 live births) and high life expectancy (80.9 years for women, 76.7 for men). Western-level training for medical professions is offered at the cuntry's schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, nursing and physical rehabilitation.

The National Health Insurance Law (in effect since January 1995) provides a standardized basket of medical services, including hospitalization, for all residents of Israel. Health insurance premiums are collected by the National Insurance Institute which transfers the funds to the four health-care organizations providing the medical services.

Responsibility for all health services is vested in the Ministry of Health, which prepares legislation and oversees its implementation; controls medical standards throughout the country; licenses medical personnel; and supervises the planning and construction of hospitals. The ministry also acts as a public health agency with regard to environmental and preventive medicine.

Health services are offered at 354 general and specialized hospitals (with some 39,600 beds), as well as through a network of outpatient clinics, mother-and-child health care centers, convalescent homes, rehabilitation institutes and school health programs, which include dental care. Medical facilities and services are provided by the Ministry of Health, the large municipalities, private and non-profit institutions and health insurance funds.

Emergency care is available through Magen David Adom (Red Shield of David), which corresponds to the Red Cross, or the Red Crescent, in other countries. It provides a public ambulance service, mobile intensive care units and emergency treatment at first-aid stations all over the country, and maintains a network of blood banks.

Israeli researchers have made impressive contributions in the fields of cancer immunology and cardiology, as well as in brain, orthopedic and plastic surgery and in the treatment of burns.

Israel is also playing an important role in the development of medical technology, including computerized diagnostic and monitoring systems, pacemakers, lasers and other life-saving and pain-relieving devices.