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

The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of the private "Medika" hospital in Tel Aviv's Ramat Hachayal neighborhood due to severe findings from a surprise inspection. The ministry stated that the hospital's continued operation poses a "serious and immediate danger to patients."

During the inspection, authorities discovered instances of medical procedures performed outside of professional authorizations and in violation of mandatory guidelines. The ministry cited additional deficiencies in the hospital's medical conduct and work processes, concluding that the findings indicate a systemic failure and a threat to patient health and safety.

These new issues follow serious deficiencies found in July at Medika Rafael, a related facility, which led to an immediate halt of surgical procedures there. Activity at Medika Rafael was gradually resumed under strict conditions, contingent on rectifying the problems and commitments from management and the board to adhere to licensing terms.

The district doctor issued an order to cease all medical activity at the Ramat Hachayal clinic effective immediately and until further notice. Management, owners, and the board of the "Medika" network will be summoned for a hearing regarding the observed conduct.

The Ministry of Health is also considering personal sanctions against individuals found to have acted outside their professional authority, based on the inspection's findings. The report was initially published by N12.