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 (3.6 per 1,000
live births in 2010) and long life expectancy (81.5 years, average
in 2010). 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.
|Israel's
health problems are similar to those prevailing in the Western
world. Since heart diseases and cancer account for about two thirds
of deaths, the study of these illnesses has become a national
priority. Also of great concern are medical care for the aging,
problems arising from environmental changes, and conditions
emanating from current lifestyles, as well as traffic and
occupational accidents.
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.