Israel Advances Massive Expansion Plan for Sheba Medical Center with Metro and Parks Integration
The National Infrastructure Committee approved a major development plan for Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer on Monday, marking a significant step for one of Israel's largest healthcare infrastructure projects. The plan aims to nearly double the hospital's inpatient capacity from 1,860 to 3,303 beds by 2045, addressing the growing healthcare needs of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area amid urban expansion and the planned evacuation of the Tel Hashomer military base.
The comprehensive plan includes enhancing research and innovation facilities, improving accessibility through integration with the future M3 metro station and the nearby purple light rail line, and creating open public spaces such as parks and gardens. A key feature is the removal of perimeter fences to open the hospital grounds to the city of Ramat Gan, promoting pedestrian connectivity via a 600-meter walkway linking transit systems and adjacent neighborhoods.
Transportation upgrades also involve formalizing the existing ground-level helipad and adding two rooftop helipads to support emergency medical services. The plan incorporates sustainable design elements, including solar panels and extensive landscaping, while preserving historic buildings within the complex.
Benny Arviv, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Headquarters and acting head of the committee, emphasized the plan's national importance in securing Sheba's status as a leading medical institution globally. Naava Elinsky-Radaei, the committee's planner, highlighted the innovative urban integration approach, making the hospital an accessible, open part of the city fabric. Yehuda Katorza, Sheba's Deputy CEO for Human Experience and Operations, described the project as a growth engine that will realize the vision of a "health city of the future."
Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen praised the plan as a pivotal urban development that will enhance eastern Ramat Gan through improved transportation and public spaces, benefiting the metropolitan area and all Israeli citizens. The architectural firm HQ Architects prepared the development plan, which is now open for public comment.
