The health committee of the Knesset recently held a discussion revolving around the concerning rise in the prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in Israel. It was noted during this discussion that the state has been neglecting patients suffering from these diseases. It was highlighted that there is a severe shortage of specialists in this field, and coupled with long waiting lines for appointments and significant disparities in the availability of treatment across the country, especially in the peripheral areas, the diagnosis and treatment of patients are often delayed. This delay in treatment only serves to exacerbate the condition of these patients. From flare-ups to relief: about treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases
Currently, approximately 70,000 Israelis are living with inflammatory bowel diseases, which encompasses conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions appear to be more prevalent among Jews of Ashkenazi origin, generally those of a higher socioeconomic status, and those living in more industrialized areas rather than rural regions. For reasons yet unknown, the immune system of those affected begins to attack the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, lack of appetite, and anemia.
These diseases often present themselves in attacks with periods of remission in between. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease and treatment typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, steroids, and biological drugs. These are aimed at inducing periods of remission. However, the disease can also lead to complications like the connection between different organs in the body, often resulting in hospitalization and the need for a bowel resection. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, which primarily affects the terminal parts of the digestive system, can be cured by resection.
The number of cases of inflammatory bowel disease is on the rise globally and in Israel. Experts predict that by 2030, it could affect 1% of the population, meaning the number of patients could jump to around 100,000. In the Knesset’s health committee discussion, it was pointed out that there are not enough specialists and dedicated staff members available to treat these chronic patients who often require prolonged hospital stays and ongoing treatment.
Patients living in peripheral areas are the most affected. Dr. Nathaniel Cohen, a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology at the Ichilov Hospital, highlighted the difficulty these patients face in accessing specialists and receiving timely treatment. This often results in complications and surgeries.
Eyal Tzur, chairman of the Crohn’s and Colitis Support Association, stated that untreated patients often collapse under the weight of their condition. He noted that mental stress worsens the disease and increases the risk of contracting it. He added that there has been awareness of the gaps in treatment for the last six months, but these gaps have only widened. Each clinic meant for Crohn’s patients should have a dedicated nurse and dietitian. However, currently, there are none of such staff in the clinics, and each doctor is treating over a thousand patients, far exceeding the Ministry of Health’s standard of a doctor treating an average of 400 patients.
Shira Chen, a patient from Kiryat Shmona, shared her experience with the committee, stating that she had to wait six months just to get an appointment with a specialist. Her diagnosis and treatment were delayed as a result, leading to complications and the need for a late operation.
