Health Ministry Shuts Tel Aviv Private Hospital Over Serious Lapses

Israel's Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of the private Medi-Care Medical Center in Tel Aviv following a surprise inspection that revealed severe deficiencies. The ministry announced the closure after uncovering a series of critical failures, including unauthorized medical procedures performed by nurses and the improper use of narcotic medications.

The inspection found that unqualified personnel, including nurses performing procedures beyond their authority and anesthesiologists lacking proper training, were working in operating rooms. The ministry stated that the conduct indicated a systemic failure and posed a danger to patient health. Surgical counts were also reportedly not performed or recorded before the end of surgeries, and anesthesia medications were handled in violation of infection prevention guidelines.

Further findings included the illegal use of Sol.Cocaine, jeopardizing patient safety. The medical director was reportedly absent from the clinic, with her replacement lacking the necessary qualifications. Procedures were also carried out in rooms not registered for such use, undermining the reliability of verification and control processes.

These recent findings add to serious issues identified in a previous inspection in July, which initially led to the suspension of operating room activities before a phased return. The Ministry of Health is considering personal actions against those found to have acted outside their professional scope.

In response, Medi-Care stated that thousands of surgeries are performed monthly by leading Israeli doctors, adhering to the highest medical and safety standards. The hospital asserted that all medical procedures are conducted by physicians and are lawful, and that nurses operate within their certified scope. They characterized the ministry's decision as disproportionate, based on isolated findings, and vowed to respond through appropriate channels.