After 9 years: Moshe Bar Siman Tov proudly says goodbye – “More than any other system”

During his tenure as Director General of the Ministry of Health, Bar Siman Tov led the Israeli health care system during one of the most complex and challenging periods in its history. From leading the national fight against the Corona epidemic to the “Iron Swords” war, the health care system under his leadership was at the forefront of dealing with unprecedented national emergencies, treating thousands of casualties and wounded, receiving those returning from captivity and ensuring the functional continuity of health services even under war and emergency threats ongoing

In addition to managing emergencies, in recent years Bar Siman Tov has led key moves to strengthen and shape the future of the health care system, including the formulation and implementation of the National Mental Health Plan to provide a broad response to the national trauma, the strengthening of infrastructure and medical services in the periphery, and the promotion of the system’s ability to deal with the changing health needs of Israel’s citizens. During these years, the health system established its position as the public system that receives the highest level of trust in Israel and as a system that embodies professionalism, mutual guarantee and shared existence every day.

Upon completion of his position, Bar Siman Tov is expected to join in the coming months as a research fellow at Columbia University in New York, where he will devote his time to research and writing on the issue of how health systems deal with national trauma, focusing on the Israeli experience gained in recent years.

The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov: “I finish my position knowing that the Israeli health system is solid, professional and ready for any challenge. The real strength of the system lies in its facts and dedicated employees, who work every day out of a deep mission and commitment to saving lives and public health and are a model for the common existence of all parts of Israeli society. The dedication and professionalism of the system’s employees resulted in us receiving a record 87 percent trust from the Israeli public – more than any other public system.”

Bar Siman Tov also said: “I thank Minister of Health Haim Katz and the ministers with whom I worked throughout the term – Uriel Bosso, Moshe Arbel and MK Aryeh Deri, for the trust and partnership, as well as my colleagues in the management of the ministry and the health organizations for the joint work during the most complex years for the system and for Israeli society in general. The health system is an integral part of my professional identity, and I am grateful for the privilege given to me to serve the public in Israel.”