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" Medical Center in Tel Aviv, citing severe and immediate risks to patient safety. The decision followed a surprise inspection that uncovered serious violations, including medical procedures performed outside professional authorities and mandatory guidelines. The ministry stated that the overall findings indicate a systemic failure in the hospital's operations, posing a danger to patients' health and well-being.

A district health physician issued an order to halt all medical activity at the facility until further notice. The order mandates that no medical procedures will be conducted at the site, effective immediately. The ministry also announced that all involved parties, including the "Medika" network's management, owners, and board of directors, will be summoned for a hearing regarding the discovered conduct.

The Ministry of Health is also examining the possibility of taking personal action against individuals found to have performed actions beyond their professional scope. This closure follows previous serious deficiencies found at Medika Rafael in July, which led to an immediate halt of surgical room operations there. Activity at Medika Rafael was gradually resumed only after reported corrections and commitments from management and the board.

In response, "Medika" stated that thousands of surgeries are performed monthly at its Tel Aviv facility by leading Israeli doctors, adhering to the highest medical and safety standards. The hospital asserted that all procedures are conducted by physicians in accordance with the law, and nurses operate within their certified scope. "Medika" characterized the ministry's decision as sweeping and disproportionate, based on random findings, and pledged to clarify the matters with the Ministry of Health through the accepted channels.