Health Ministry Shuts Tel Aviv Hospital Over Severe Violations

The Israeli Ministry of Health ordered the immediate closure of the private "Medika" Medical Center in Tel Aviv on Monday following a surprise inspection that revealed severe deficiencies. The ministry released findings detailing dangerous practices, including the use of potent narcotic drugs as anesthetics and the employment of unqualified personnel in operating rooms.

Key findings from the inspection included procedures being performed in minor surgery rooms not aligned with the clinic's registration certificate. The center was found to be illegally using narcotic drugs like cocaine, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Furthermore, unqualified individuals were working in operating rooms, lacking the required professional qualifications. Surgical counts were not properly performed or documented before the end of surgeries.

Alarmingly, surgical procedures were reportedly carried out by nursing staff without legal authority, and anesthesiologists in two operating rooms were not specialists as required. The inspection also highlighted failures in verification and control processes designed to prevent serious incidents in operating rooms, as well as serious lapses in handling anesthetic drugs, contrary to infection prevention guidelines.

The medical director was absent from the clinic, and her replacement lacked the necessary knowledge. These systemic failures indicated a clear danger to the health and well-being of patients at the facility, located in the Ramat Hachayal area of northern Tel Aviv.

"Medika" is a private hospital where patients pay substantial fees for aesthetic and medical surgeries. In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health has launched an investigation. The management, owners, and board of the "Medika" network will be summoned for a hearing regarding their conduct. The ministry is also considering individual actions against those found to have acted outside their professional authority.