A study conducted by Prof. Kobi Glazer of Tel Aviv University, an expert in the field of healthcare economics, suggests that the establishment of Beit Shulamit, the Cancer Center at the Emek Medical Center in Afula, will have substantial economic and social implications.
Background:
The basic parameters, prior to the establishment of the Center, reveal an ongoing neglect of the healthcare system in the Northern District as compared to central Israel. Thus, for instance, in the Northern District:
- There are 1.48 beds for every 1,000 inhabitants, as compared to 2.5 beds in the Tel Aviv District.
- There are only 2.2 doctors for every 1,000 inhabitants, as compared to 4.7 doctors in the Tel Aviv District.
- 12% reported foregoing medical treatment due to remoteness (as compared to 4% in the Tel Aviv District)
and 14% for financial reasons (as compared to 7% in the Tel Aviv District). - The prevalence of medical instrumentation (CT, MRI and PET CT) in the Northern District is currently very low.
- As of 2013, there was only one MRI device and no PET CT.
Economic benefits:
First circle: Direct effect on the hospital and more job opportunities for local inhabitants - an addition of 100 direct jobs. The net additional jobs resulting from the establishment of the Center represent NIS 23.25 million a year. Increasing the hospital’s revenue: revenue codes, hospitalization days, medication, research and more - approximately NIS 45 million. Second circle - reduction of mortality and derivative benefits for local inhabitants. work years - reduction of mortality, shorter commute. Employment and consumption - expansion of commerce areas, hotel, expansion of procurement and services. Local authority - municipal taxes, water, revenue from increased business activity. Other institutions - Israel Electric Corporation, Fire and Rescue fee etc. The second circle is expected to generate an estimated annual income of approximately NIS 24 million. Anticipated economic benefit from the establishment of the Center: NIS 200-300 million.
On average, the increment on value: for every NIS 1 invested, an anticipated benefit of NIS 3.5.