Medications
Hebrew: תרופות
The Health Basket (Sal Briyut)
The “health-basket” (sal bri’ut) offers a large selection of medication for all types of illnesses and ailments. However, not all the drugs you are familiar with, from your country of origina, are available here or are included in the health basket.
Make sure that details of all your medications are included in the doctor’s report you bring with you when you relocate to Israel.
There is a large selection of imported medicines, however if the medication you require is not available here or it is not in the “health basket” your doctor will offer you one that is locally manufactured or a generic equivalent.
Participation
The Health Funds participate in the cost of the medication. Each fund has its own rules regarding the participation fee. Check on the fees before you become a member of the fund. You may be required to pay as little as 10 per cent of the cost of the medicine or us much as 50 per cent.
If you have a chronic condition, the doctor will give you 3 prescriptions one for each of the following three months. After the 3 months you will have to go back to the doctor for a repeat prescription.
Over the counter medications are available at pharmacies. Some supermarkets may keep basic first aid medication and supplies.
Our Tip
Traveling Abroad
If you should be traveling abroad and require more than a months supply of medication, you need to ask your physician to give written confirmation and approval. He will do this by giving written approval on the prescription, stamping and signing it.
At the pharmacy
When paying for your medication at the pharmacy, you will be required to present your Health Fund membership card together with your prescription.
Be sure to check the dosage instructions with the pharmacist. The dispensing of medications and labeling of instructions are not the same as in other countries. Always read the package insert, the literature is provided in English, Hebrew and Arabic and sometimes Russian.
Consult your doctor or pharmacists if you have any doubts regarding your medication.
Remember
Please keep your medications out of the reach of children, do not keep any unnecessary medication in the house, and destroy any medication that has passed its expiry date
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