Israel Health Ministry Shuts Down Private Medica Hospital Over Serious Violations

Israel's Ministry of Health has ordered the closure of the private Medica Tel Aviv hospital following a surprise inspection that revealed severe safety violations and professional misconduct. The ministry's findings, released on Tuesday, September 29, indicated that nurses were performing surgical procedures without proper authorization, and anesthesiologists were not specialists as required by law. The hospital also mishandled cocaine, a controlled narcotic used as a local anesthetic, posing a significant risk to patient safety.

Inspectors found that unqualified staff were working in operating rooms, and the medical director was absent during the inspection, with her replacement lacking the necessary qualifications. Critical safety procedures, such as surgical counts to ensure no instruments or materials are left inside patients, were either not performed or falsely documented. The ministry noted that such oversights can lead to infections, pain, and the need for further surgery.

Further violations included performing procedures not covered by the clinic's registration certificate and improper handling of anesthesia drugs, including breaches of infection prevention protocols. The ministry concluded that these systemic failures created a substantial threat to patient health and well-being, leading to the immediate cessation of all medical activities at the facility.

Medica, in response, stated that it performs thousands of operations monthly with leading Israeli doctors and adheres to strict standards. The network asserted that patient safety and quality of care are top priorities and pledged to address any identified violations. Medica also contested the claims of unauthorized procedures, stating that all medical actions are performed by licensed physicians and nurses within their scope of practice.

This is not the first time the Ministry of Health has taken action against a Medica facility. In July, operations were suspended at Medica Raphael due to issues with instrument disinfection, sterile supply management, and staffing shortages, though this order was later partially lifted. Medica Tel Aviv is part of a network owned by the Meuhedet and Leumit health funds, along with private investors.