Health Ministry Shuts Down Medica Tel Aviv Over Serious Violations

The Israeli Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate cessation of all medical activity at the Medica Tel Aviv medical center, located in the Ramat Hachayal area of Tel Aviv. The order follows a surprise inspection that revealed serious findings, including medical procedures allegedly performed outside of professional authorities and deficiencies in operating room procedures.

The ministry stated that the findings indicate a systemic failure and that continuing operations pose an immediate and severe risk to patient health and safety. The district health officer issued the order to halt all medical activity, which took effect on Monday, until further notice.

Medica's management, owners, and board members will be summoned for a hearing. The Ministry of Health is also considering personal actions against staff members found to have exceeded their professional authority. Specific details regarding the alleged unauthorized procedures, the number of cases, or the identities of the staff involved have not yet been released, nor has any information about patients being harmed.

This is not the first time Medica has faced regulatory action. In July, operating rooms at the Medica Rafael hospital in Tel Aviv were also shut down by the Ministry of Health due to improper procedures and a significant staff shortage that endangered patient safety. Activity at Medica Rafael was gradually resumed in early August after the identified deficiencies were corrected.

Medica Tel Aviv has responded to the ministry's findings, asserting that all medical procedures are conducted legally by physicians and that nurses operate within their authorized scope. The center claims the inspection focused on isolated incidents and stated they would clarify the matters with the Ministry of Health. Despite Medica's response, the order to cease operations remains in effect, and no date has been set for the resumption of medical services.