Health Ministry Shuts Down Private Tel Aviv Hospital Amid Serious Violations

The Israeli Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate cessation of all activities at the Medica private hospital in Tel Aviv following a surprise inspection that revealed severe systemic failures and a danger to patient safety. The ministry's findings included surgical procedures performed by nurses lacking legal authority, the employment of unqualified personnel in operating rooms, and improper use of narcotic medications.

Further deficiencies were identified in the anesthesia department, where anesthesiologists not meeting expert requirements were found working in two operating rooms. The inspection also uncovered critical lapses in medication management and sterile procedures, contrary to guidelines designed to prevent infections. These issues significantly increase the risk of complications for patients undergoing surgery.

Safety protocols, such as surgical counts to ensure all instruments are removed from patients, were also compromised. In some instances, counts were not performed at all, or were falsely recorded as completed before the surgery ended. The ministry stated that this conduct undermines the reliability of verification and control processes essential for operating room safety.

Additionally, the hospital was found to be using the narcotic drug Sol. Cocaine in violation of regulations, posing a direct risk to patients. Procedures were also conducted in rooms not designated for them, contrary to the clinic's registration certificate. Medical management was also criticized, with the medical director absent during the inspection and her replacement lacking the necessary qualifications.

Medica has stated that its medical procedures are performed by doctors in accordance with the law and that nurses only perform actions within their scope of authority. The hospital management acknowledged the findings and pledged to rectify any identified deficiencies. This is not the first time Medica has faced scrutiny; previous inspections in July led to the temporary suspension of its operating rooms.