From 808 to 1,464: The dramatic news in medical studies | Listen

Dr. Maya Lugasi Ben Hamo, CEO of the Council for Higher Education, reports a surge in medical students from 808 in 2021 to 1,464 in 2026, following the opening of three new faculties. She describes this as a national mission, noting that academic requirements have not been eased except for reservists and victims of hostilities.

Dr. Maya Lugasi Ben Hamo, CEO of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), is interviewed on 103FM and presents data on a dramatic increase in the number of medical students in Israel. According to her, the number of students jumped from 808 in 2021 to 1,464 who will begin their studies in 2026. This surge was made possible by the opening of three new medical faculties in recent years. Lugasi Ben Hamo emphasizes that this move is part of a national effort to address the needs of the healthcare system, and that academia is cooperating with the Ministry of Health and hospitals to ensure placement of graduates. She clarifies that despite the increase in student numbers, academic requirements have not been eased, except for specific accommodations given to reservists and victims of hostilities. The article includes direct quotes from the interview and is tagged with: health, medical students, academia, doctors.