The Israel National Institute for Health Policy Research (NIHP) is an independent organization, whose goals are:

• To act as a forum and meeting place for professional and public discussion regarding the organization and management of health care, and health policy in Israel. 
• To promote and fund research into the health economics, quality of services and decision-making processes in the health system.
• To encourage interdisciplinary scientific cooperation on a national level between all players, academic and managerial, with an interest in improving the Israeli healthcare system.
• To follow and assess the influence of the National Health Insurance Law on health care in Israel: their quality, effectiveness and cost.

Section 52 (2) of The National Health Insurance Law (1994) established a Health Council whose functions includes (among other roles) supervision over the implementation of the law, promotion of research, surveys and professional expert debate. In June 1995, the Health Council appointed the Israel National Institute for Health Policy Research to fulfill these tasks with the Minister of Health’s recommendation.

The NIHP gathers together researchers, managers and policy makers from different sectors of the health arena: the Ministry of Health, HMOs, hospitals, universities and research institutes. A broad range of participants are involved in research and other activities initiated by the NIHP. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals meet regularly with health managers, economists, social scientists, insurers, legislators and government officials.