It is headed by a prime minister and is collectively responsible to the Knesset. Education and Science School attendance is mandatory from age five and free through age 18. The population's median years of schooling is 12.1. Israel's institutions of higher education include universities, offering a wide range of subjects in science and humanities, and serving as research institutions of worldwide repute, colleges offering academic courses and vocational schools. The National Health Insurance Law, in effect from January 1995, provides for a standardized basket of medical services, including hospitalization, for all residents of Israel.
All medical services continue to be supplied by the country's four health care organizations.
The social service system is based on legislation which provides for workers' protection and a broad range of national and community services, including care of the elderly, assistance for single parents, programs for children and youth, adoption agencies, as well as prevention and treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse.