It's a Holly Jolly Linkfest

■ Scientists in Israel have discovered what appears to be a very promising treatment for epilepsy, and it comes from an unexpected source:

“Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis may help epilepsy patients.“

Yasher koach!

■ On the other hand, Israel’s universal health insurance system (a hybrid of public and private) isn’t faring so well:

“Israel’s health expenditure is way below its OECD peers’. This leaves Startup Nation lacking beds, doctors, nurses, MRIs and CT scanners“

The country has begin a major effort on tech solutions to the problem but, well:

“… if you are in need of hospital care in Israel, you may end up, like 94-year-old Mr. Dabah or Fiasl’s mother, parked for days in a ward corridor, or waiting for hours in an emergency room.”

Oy.

■ As we’ve noted before, the major benefit to Direct Primary Care (DPC) is that it “guarantees quick access to care.” And  that access also means more quality time with the doc.

Which, as it turns out (unsurprisingly), is a very good thing:

“Trojanovich spent more than an hour with patient Andrew Buttrell, who says that time spent with the doctor makes a difference with his health needs.”