Israel's Health Ministry reviews sweeping proposals to reform women's healthcare

The Israeli Health Ministry announced on Thursday that it is reviewing a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to fundamentally restructure the national approach to women's health. The proposals, submitted by a committee appointed by Director-General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, aim to move beyond isolated medical interventions. Instead, the plan seeks to create a continuous policy framework that addresses women's health needs throughout their entire lives, extending well beyond pregnancy and gynecology.

Chaired by Mali Kusha and supported by eight expert teams, the committee grounded its strategy in scientific research. This research highlights how biological, social, and cultural differences significantly impact health outcomes, prevention, and diagnosis. The committee also emphasized the importance of recognizing that women's healthcare needs evolve as they age.

Current statistics indicate that women in Israel face significant disparities in medical care compared to men. According to the Briah Foundation, a group dedicated to closing the gender gap in health, female patients are more likely to experience longer waits in emergency rooms. They also report that their pain is frequently dismissed or that they are perceived as less capable of making decisions about their own bodies.

A major factor in these disparities is the historical reliance on male bodies for medical research. This bias has led to medications being tested exclusively on men and heart disease being underdiagnosed in women because their symptoms often differ from those of men. The committee's new recommendations span from childhood to old age, with a specific focus on early prevention and detection.

For children, adolescents, and young women, the committee urges the strengthening of early detection for mental health issues, eating disorders, anemia, and endometriosis. Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting 10% to 12% of women of reproductive age, is a primary area of concern. A study of nearly 2,000 Israeli women found that the average delay in diagnosing this condition is 11.2 years. Half of the participants reported suffering from 11 to 15 symptoms simultaneously, including severe fatigue, digestive problems, and pain during intercourse.

The study, conducted by the non-profit Endo Israel, suggests that this long diagnostic delay stems from low public awareness and a medical culture that often minimizes women's pain. Many women wait an average of 4.6 years after symptoms begin to report them to a doctor, followed by an additional 6.6 years to receive a diagnosis. This process often involves unnecessary referrals to gastroenterologists, orthopedists, and psychiatrists before the correct diagnosis is made.

Treatment outcomes for endometriosis are also a subject of scrutiny. While over-the-counter painkillers and hormonal pills are common, their effectiveness is often described as moderate. Although cannabis treatment was found to be the most effective in the study, it was used by a small proportion of patients. Furthermore, nearly 64% of women reported feeling that the medical system offered them no viable solution for their condition.

The committee also recommended integrating menopause into the standard continuum of healthcare. Menopause is a three-stage process that typically occurs between ages 40 and 50. While most women experience at least one of approximately 30 potential symptoms, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances, the Health Ministry's National Council for Women's Health notes that these symptoms are treatable. However, the council found that a vast majority of women are not offered treatment, and there is currently no officially recognized medical specialty dedicated to menopause.

For older women, the proposals call for better management of chronic diseases, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. The Briah Foundation notes that women are the primary sufferers of 'invisible diseases,' such as fibromyalgia and painful bladder syndrome, which are difficult to diagnose and often lack dedicated specialist clinics in Israel.

Director-General Bar Siman-Tov stated that the ministry is now developing a multiyear action plan based on these findings. He described women's health as an integral part of the ministry's vision for excellence. The goal is to translate the committee's professional foundation into practical steps with clear objectives, ensuring that healthcare improvements are implemented across every stage of a woman's life.

The ministry emphasized that strengthening research and data collection that accounts for sex and gender differences is essential to reducing these disparities. By addressing the root causes of delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, the new policy aims to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all women in Israel.