Ministerial Committee Authorizes Unification Of Israel’s Emergency Response Hotlines

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In a landmark decision Sunday, the Israeli government’s ministerial committee adopted a bill submitted by MK’s Idit Silman (Yemina) and Eitan Ginsburg (Yesh Atid) as well as by Moshe Gafni (UTJ0 and Yinon Azulai (Shas) to unify the emergency response hotlines in Israel. Currently the hotlines are separate, with different numbers for police, fire services, Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah. The current law seeks to make one unified number which would serve all the emergency services.

Prior to the discussion heavy pressure was placed on the ministers not to authorize the law. Magen David Adom is opposed to the law which would effectively remove its monopoly on emergency calls. However the proponents of the bill stated that it is critical for lifesaving and will lead to faster responses to calls.

Coalition head Idit Silman, the proponent of the law, wrote that “I was chosen to serve the public and there is no greater value than guarding public health and human life. Unfortunately, irrelevant considerations have been attempting to influence the law I am promoting with MK Moshe Gafni to unite the emergency hotlines. I stress that I will not cave in to any organization or person on this matter. Lifesaving is not a commercial business.”

United Hatzalah director Eli Pollack welcomed the new legislation: “We welcome the decision to ratify the proposed bill to unify emergency hotlines, which will be submitted to the Knesset for legislation. This is a historic step in which the members of the Knesset and the opposition have demonstrated that the sanctity of lifesaving is greater than any other consideration. The thousands of volunteers at United Hatzalah are ready as ever at all times to contribute their expertise and dedication for the sake of the health of Israel’s citizens.”

United Hatzalah president Eli Beer said that “I call on health minister Nitzan Hurwitz who is working day and night for public health to continue the revolution he is accomplishing in the health ministry regarding emergency services and conclude the legislation as soon as possible to promote lifesaving procedures in Israel.”.