השפעת צפיפות אוכלוסין על בריאות הציבור בישראל: המצוי, הרצוי והצפוי

Over the years, the number of residents living in Israel has increased dramatically. The negative impacts of population density on public health are reflected in four different contexts: deficient infrastructure for treating illness which reduces health care quality; a shortage of doctors, nursing staff, increased risk of infectious disease spread; and mental health consequences from discomfort at living in a crowded society. The article documents the primary health risks associated with rising population density in Israel. While it is essential to adopt policies that reduce the negative impact of population density on public health,given budget constraints and practical limitations, these negative phenomena are likely to grow worse. Accordingly, along with adaptive measures designed to allow Israel’s health system to adjust to higher population density, it is important to emphasize demographic stability as the only long-term solution to the damage of crowding to Israeli public health.