Linguistic and Cultural Access in Health Care
About
Israel’s healthcare system serves people from diverse backgrounds. Factors such as language, religion, and cultural identity affect how people access and experience healthcare services. Language barriers can lead to underuse or misuse of healthcare services, misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, lower satisfaction, and reduce trust in the healthcare system and its professionals.
As a regulator, the Ministry of Health guides healthcare organizations in taking action to reduce health disparities that may arise from these factors. It has also established standards for cultural and linguistic accessibility and adaptation.
A joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and the Joint (JDC Israel) works to improve and institutionalize cultural and linguistic accessibility in healthcare services. This includes providing and receiving information, communicating with healthcare teams, and navigating physical and digital environments—so that people can access services independently, respectfully, and equitably.
The initiative operates in collaboration with all healthcare organizations and relevant Ministry departments.
Activities within the initiative include:
- Mapping gaps and identifying appropriate responses
- Reviewing and updating policies and defining best practices
- Developing organizational infrastructure
- Developing knowledge and tools to improve linguistic and cultural accessibility
- Providing consultation to organizations and professionals
- Encouraging action through dedicated funding