The Nursing Division Achieves First Milestone in the Five-Year Plan: 7 Nurses per 1,000 Residents in Israel

The Ministry of Health announces that it has reached the main target of the national five-year plan to strengthen nursing care coverage, with an updated 2025 figure of 7.05 nurses per 1,000 residents. This is a significant achievement and an important milestone in improving the availability and quality of health care in Israel.

As of this year, 71,387 licensed nurses under the age of 67 are working in Israel, reflecting consistent growth in the nursing workforce, including an increase in the number of nurses and expanded professional training to meet system needs.

In recent years, training and education programs in the field have expanded. Today, about 13,000 nursing students are enrolled in training institutions nationwide, including approximately 3,400 who began their studies in 2025. There has also been a notable increase in the number of students in accelerated nursing programs, enabling professionals from other fields to join the healthcare system.

In the past month, 2,800 nurses successfully passed the state licensing exams—further evidence of the continued expansion of the nursing workforce in Israel and the appeal of the profession to a young, diverse, and dedicated population.

Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health:
“The steady increase in the number of nurses in Israel and the continual improvement in the quality of training are the result of long-term work, consistent investment, and careful planning. This is an important achievement that demonstrates the strength of the nursing profession and its essential contribution to the healthcare system. Nurses are the backbone of medical care—whether in HMOs and the community, in hospitals, or during emergencies. We saw this once again in recent months, through the dedicated and compassionate work of the nurses caring for those who returned home, which highlighted the depth of professionalism and devotion within the profession. We remain committed to strengthening their status, advancing their working conditions, and ensuring that the healthcare system continues to rely on their professionalism and dedication.”

Dr. Shoshi Goldberg, Chief of the Nursing Administration:
“This is a moment of great pride for the nursing profession and the entire healthcare system. We have reached the goal we set for ourselves—seven nurses for every 1,000 residents—thanks to hard work, close collaboration with training institutions, and the ongoing dedication of nurses in the field. We will continue to develop the profession, expand scopes of practice, and ensure advanced training opportunities, recognizing that nursing is at the core of the healthcare system and plays a vital role in the social resilience of the State of Israel.”