Klalit Health Services in the Jerusalem area reached an
understanding for continued cooperation with Bikur Cholim
Hospital. In a court hearing on the hospital's current
situation the judge praised Klalit for taking a step that has
a good chance of helping rehabilitate the hospital.
The Knesset finance Committee discussed additional matters
related to the hospital, such as outstanding income tax
payments and pension payments that have not been reaching
workers according to payment schedules. The hospital's
official assets manager told the committee that Klalit Health
Services is fulfilling all of its agreements with the
hospital.
Hospital Director Dr. Yitzhak Zaides said the hospital's
list of debts does not contain any unpaid debts to Klalit.
Eli Dapas, Klalit's Jerusalem manager, said the dispute
concerns a two-million-shekel payment from May 2003 that will
be resolved by May 1.
According to other reports to the Knesset Finance Committee
talks are being held with other health funds to encourage
them to purchase services from Bikur Cholim Hospital. Except
for Klalit, health funds are making use of the hospital's
services much less than usual and referrals at clinics
located near the hospital are far below the normal rate.
