Israel's high standards of health services, top-quality medical resources and research, modern hospital facilities, and an impressive ratio of physicians and specialists to population are reflected in the country's low infant mortality rate (4.7 per 1,000 live births) and long life expectancy (82.5 years for women, 78.8 for men). Health care for all, from infancy to old age, is ensured by law and the national expenditure on health compares favorably with that of other developed countries. Western-level training for medical professions is offered at the country'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 373 general and specialized hospitals (with some 42,676 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.

Israel's health problems are similar to those prevailing in the Western world. Health education programs are widely used to inform the public of the need to stop habits such as smoking and overeating, as well as lack of physical exercise, which have proved detrimental to health. Campaigns are also run frequently to increase workers' and drivers' awareness of potential dangers.

Environmental and health hazards have been generated by rapid population growth and steady expansion of agricultural and industrial activities. More than 70 percent of Israel's industry is concentrated along the narrow coastal zone where meteorological conditions are unfavorable for the dispersal of pollutants. To combat pollution of the Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, Israel has adopted a multifaceted program of legislation, enforcement, beach and shore clean-up and international activities, primarily within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan.

In addition to regulatory measures and education as essential components of its environmental policy, Israel now also offers financial grants to companies which invest in monitoring and pollution treatment facilities and in environment-friendly technologies and materials.

In accordance with the belief that proper medical care is a universal right transcending barriers of ideology and political borders, Israel's hospitals are open to all seeking their expertise. Over the years, patients have come for specialized treatment from all over the world, including countries with which Israel has no diplomatic relations.

In many parts of Asia and Africa, Israeli doctors and nurses are providing assistance in treating diseases which have been virtually eradicated in developed countries, and share their skills with local medical personnel on exchange programs, some held under the auspices of the World Health Organization. Israeli medical teams also participate in relief efforts in disaster areas.