[National health index]

Recently, a booklet presenting a national health index was published by the Israel Medical Association (IMA]. The publication of an objective tool for the measurement and evaluation of the health of the population in Israel and the assessment of the healthcare system is an important and valued action. A tool of this sort, which analyzes the situation of the healthcare system relative to that of other countries in the world and allows for international comparisons-- is necessary for the promotion of a public debate on health and medical issues in Israel and serves as a useful tool for decision-makers. In this work, certain difficulties are delineated regarding the choice of factors and variables that comprise the national health index published--specifically in the significance accorded to the selected parameters and methodology upon which the Index was determined. The creation of a suitable national health index requires additional work necessitating, first and foremost, the integration of a methodology that correctly reflects the state of health and healthcare in Israel. An international comparison is also required--one which will be evaluated based on the determined methodology and the chosen parameters. The detailing of these issues serves to ensure a reliable and quality database, so that among other uses, it may serve its important purpose as a national health index that determines short and long-term goals, for the setting of priorities and for the tracking of trends and directions of development. Thereby, it would contribute to the improvement and promotion of the health of the residents of the State of Israel.