"It is unacceptable that after three years of fighting there is no clear protocol for treating wounded IDF soldiers in hospitals"
The "Council of Wise Women" movement has called for a uniform procedure for treating wounded soldiers, following claims of humiliating treatment experienced by an IDF soldier and his family at Rambam Hospital. "A mother who sends her son to battle needs to know that the State of Israel will provide full support," the movement stated.
The "Council of Wise Women" responded on Sunday to serious allegations raised by the family of an IDF soldier wounded last week regarding the treatment he allegedly received during his hospitalization at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa: "After almost three years of fighting, it is unacceptable that there is no clear protocol for treating IDF soldiers in hospitals."
The "Council of Wise Women" is a movement of mothers that includes bereaved mothers, mothers of soldiers, mothers of hostages, and survivors of the Nova festival, alongside leading women from society, media, and the economy. The members established the council out of maternal and national responsibility towards soldiers, education, Jewish identity, and the next generation in the State of Israel.
In their statement, the movement noted: "The incident currently being investigated must serve as a red flag. After almost three years of fighting, it is unacceptable that a joint national protocol of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health regarding the treatment and accompaniment of wounded IDF soldiers and their families in hospitals has not yet been established." The movement further emphasized: "Every mother who sends her son to battle needs to know that if he is wounded, the State of Israel will know how to treat and wrap him and his family in full support."
The movement also outlined the standards wounded soldiers and their families should receive: "A soldier wounded while defending us all is entitled to a clear and binding standard: professional, fast, and optimal medical treatment; warm, respectful, and compassionate treatment towards the soldier and his family; and the possibility of 24/7 accompaniment by a family member, provided it does not interfere with medical care."
"Families are not a nuisance; they are an integral part of the wounded person's resilience. A clear, binding, and transparent protocol is required to ensure that every wounded IDF soldier receives the treatment and support they deserve," the "Council of Wise Women" concluded.
According to the family's claims, during a shift change, only medical staff from the Arab sector remained in the ward. The family members were asked to leave, and the doors were locked while four seriously wounded soldiers were inside. The family claimed they only wanted to ensure the soldiers' condition was stable, but were not allowed to enter.
One of the soldier's brothers broke down the door, fearing for his sibling's condition. The soldier reported that a staff member "picked him up like a sardine," causing his head to hit the bed, and that his requests for water were ignored for some time. It was later learned that the patient was scheduled to be transferred to Sheba Medical Center as part of prior planning and due to his medical condition, unrelated to the family's complaints.
IDF Spokesperson's response:
Immediately upon receiving the complaint, representatives of the RAM-2 department worked with the hospital to clarify and handle the matter. The IDF attaches supreme importance to providing full support to wounded IDF soldiers and their families. Medical responsibility for treating wounded soldiers lies with the hospital. The IDF works in cooperation with all relevant hospitals to provide optimal care. The IDF will continue to accompany its wounded soldiers and their families closely, acting in their best interest out of deep responsibility and commitment.
