As hundreds of people were displaced and security threats have increased, the demand for remote medical services has increased by 25% since the October 7th 2023 attacks. In response, hospitals have been expanding remote and virtual consultations by up to 50%.
All virtual services are part of the NHI coverage. Virtual services include consultations in primary care (for example, instructing patients virtually to care for wounds or to control diabetes), specialist and multidisciplinary care, and rehabilitation. Some diagnostic exams, such as a home ultrasound for pregnant women, can now be performed remotely. Women receive ultrasound machines from virtual hospital services, independently scan the fetus and transmit the video to a 24/7 staffed call centre (part of the virtual hospital). Patients with conditions such as congestive heart failure are also offered smart sensors that transmit data in real time to doctors. Home hospitalization services are provided following a visit to the emergency department, under the supervision of a dedicated team that visits the patient at home and monitors the patients 24/7 (see https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/health-systems-monitor/analyses/hspm/israel-2015/expansion-of-hospital-at-home-services-after-the-7.10.23-attacks).