Health Ministry Shuts Down Private Tel Aviv Hospital Over Patient Safety Concerns

The Israeli Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of the private "Medika" hospital in Tel Aviv's Ramat Hachayal neighborhood, citing severe and immediate risks to patient safety. The decision followed a surprise inspection that uncovered serious violations, including medical procedures performed without proper professional authorization and other significant lapses in medical conduct and work processes.

The Ministry stated that the findings indicated a systemic failure in the hospital's operations, posing a danger to patients' health and well-being. The District Health Officer issued an order to cease all medical activity at the facility until further notice. All involved parties, including the management, owners, and board of the "Medika" network, will be summoned for a hearing.

The Ministry also indicated it is considering personal sanctions against individuals found to have performed actions beyond their professional scope. This action follows previous serious deficiencies found at "Medika" in July, which led to an immediate halt of surgical room operations at that time. Activity at "Medika" had resumed gradually, contingent on rectifying the issues and management commitments.

"Medika" responded by asserting that thousands of surgeries are performed monthly by top Israeli doctors, adhering to the highest medical and safety standards. The hospital claims all procedures are conducted by physicians according to law, and nurses operate within their certified scope. They characterized the Ministry's decision as disproportionate, based on random findings, and stated they would formally address the Ministry's concerns.