Issue: The right to universal healthcare

Forum: Human Rights Commission

Country: State of Israel

Main element of concern:

The health problems faced by the citizens of Israel closely mirror those faced by
the Western world, such as the increasing rates of heart disease and cancer.
Environmental and health hazards have been accelerated by rapid population
growth and increasing industrialization. The degrading levels of air and water
quality further amplify the concern. All around the world, and in Israel, citizens
are consistently being placed at a disadvantage, being exposed to hazards and
hence the trend of decreasing life expectancies. These threats arise as a result of
insufficient health insurance and coverage for citizens.

Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Israel itself, which have
adopted universal healthcare, have taken the first step towards ensuring
sufficient healthcare for all of its citizens.

Action taken on the issue:

A growing global trend is appearing which supports universal healthcare as the
system that will uphold the welfare of citizens. At the Second Global Symposium
in Health Systems Research, participants have placed pressure on the United
Nations for a declaration on Universal Healthcare.

Justification of position and summary:

Israel is a strong supporter for universal healthcare. Israel believes that the
government is responsible for the welfare of its people, a value that has been
upheld in many of the Basic Laws of Israel. Every citizen in Israel is mandated to
register with 1 of the 4 Health Maintenance Organizations, and all citizens
receive the same uniform benefits package.