Medica Rafael Hospital Resumes Partial Operation of Operating Rooms After Health Ministry Closure

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced on Monday that it has partially lifted the closure order on the operating rooms at the private Medica Rafael Hospital in the Atidim Park area of northern Tel Aviv. The operating rooms reopened on Sunday following a review of corrective measures taken by the hospital to address previously identified deficiencies. Currently, only four operating rooms are active, authorized for major surgeries under a phased reopening plan approved by the Ministry.

The closure, which lasted about two weeks, was initially imposed after a surprise inspection on July 17 revealed improper work processes in the operating rooms and central sterile supply, significant staff shortages posing a real risk to patient safety, and issues with sterile medical instrument supply. The Ministry ordered an immediate halt to operating room activities until all deficiencies were fully corrected.

The hospital, owned by the Meuhedet and Leumit health funds, stated the problems were isolated incidents being addressed promptly in full cooperation with the Ministry. The Ministry emphasized that the hospital's board and management committed to fully comply with licensing conditions, cease unauthorized activities, and implement all professional requirements. Ongoing inspections will continue to ensure compliance across this and other hospitals.

The sterile supply issues are directly linked to increased infection risks for patients. Hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance are major global health challenges, causing approximately five million deaths annually worldwide. In Israel, around 4,000 such infections were recorded in 2025, with an estimated 35% to 75% preventable through strict adherence to protocols, monitoring, and targeted professional interventions.