Child Development Reform: Gaps Between Center and Periphery Persist

The Ministry of Health is expanding the child development reform starting August 1, 2026, with the recruitment of over 166 professionals. However, implementation of the second phase in the periphery has been delayed until January 2027 due to a shortage of services and personnel.

The Ministry of Health continues to advance the child development reform, announcing that the second phase will take effect on August 1, 2026. Since the first phase in February 2026, over 166 new professionals have been recruited, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. The recruitment target was met by March, and the scope of treatments in health maintenance organizations has been expanded in most districts. However, due to a persistent shortage of services and professionals in remote areas, implementation of the second phase has been postponed in the Arava, Golan Heights, Jordan Valley, Negev, and Dead Sea region until January 1, 2027. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the reform is based on the principle of providing quality public services regardless of place of residence or economic status.