Health in Israel

Expenditure on healthcare is 7.2% of Gross Domestic Product, compared with an average of 9.2% in the OECD.

In 2003, Israel had the second highest rate of skin cancer in the world,[1] However, this has decreased substantially since then due to public health campaigns recommending avoiding the hottest time of day, discouraging sun-bathing and using sun protection such as greater clothing coverage and sunscreen.

[12] According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the smoking rate in the Israeli adult population in 2009 was 20.9%, down from 34% in 2000.

[13] A Ministry of Health nationwide survey conducted in 2011 found that 20.6% of the population aged 21 and older were smokers.

35% of non-smoking respondents to the World Health Survey reported that they had been exposed to passive smoking.

The cost of the damage caused by smoking to the health system is estimated at NIS 1.7 billion (about $440 million) a year.

The annual loss of working capacity and paid sick days in the wider economy is estimated at NIS 1.9 billion ($490 million).