Israel Matzav

Viagra for VIP's

Israel is kind of like George Orwell's Animal Farm. All of us are equal except that some of us are more equal than others. This time, those who are 'more equal' include 578 former presidents, prime ministers, Supreme Court justices, judges in all the civil courts, Jewish and Muslim religious court judges, MKs and directors-general of government ministries - and their dependents. They're entitled to medicines that we have to pay for privately and not as part of our health plans. They're entitled to orthotics for which our family regularly pays hundreds of shekels - for free. They're also entitled to

certain types of vitamins and NIS 313 per day for geriatric nursing facilities, there is coverage for anti-impotence drugs or any medication - prescription or over-the-counter - that is registered by the ministry as a drug but not supplied by the health funds.

There are cancer patients here who would die (literally) for that type of coverage.

Now the treasury - after more than 45 years - wants to tax the benefits that cost the government NIS 13.3 million last year. The article doesn't name names. I hope at least that we're not wasting government money buying Viagra for our most recent former President. He doesn't need it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:44 AM