Israel's Health Ministry Partially Reopens Medica Tel Aviv Hospital

On Monday, October 26, Israel's Ministry of Health partially rescinded its order to close the private Medica Tel Aviv hospital, which had previously been declared "dangerous for patients." The clinic is now permitted to perform surgeries covered by the national health basket, but operations in aesthetic medicine remain prohibited. The ministry stated the decision followed the hospital's rectification of "significant deficiencies" and its commitment to additional corrective measures. The ministry also warned it would "take all necessary measures to protect patient health and safety" if any deviations from regulations occur.

Medica network expressed its satisfaction with the partial reopening, stating, "We are happy to return to work and provide our patients with the best treatment." They noted that while aesthetic surgery, a major part of their operations, is still banned, they are continuing dialogue with the ministry to resume these services. The network emphasized that patient health and safety remain its top priority.

Previously, on October 19, the hospital's CEO, Anat Nussbaum, resigned. She announced that Dr. Eitan Hai-Am, a former director-general of the Ministry of Health, would take over as CEO, initiating a process of order and thorough review. Nussbaum stated her resignation stemmed from a "deep understanding of my responsibility as a leader" and that she would remain until Hai-Am's full assumption of duties to ensure a smooth transition.

The hospital was initially ordered to suspend operations on September 28, following an unscheduled inspection that revealed serious violations. These included nurses performing procedures instead of doctors and anesthesiologists in two operating rooms not being certified specialists, which the ministry deemed an "immediate danger to patients." The inspection also found instances of procedures exceeding professional authority and other organizational failures, indicating systemic issues.

This is not the first issue for the Medica network. In July 2026, the ministry ordered the closure of operating rooms at its Medica Rafael hospital in northern Tel Aviv due to similar violations, including improper sterilization and insufficient staffing. That order was partially lifted in early August 2026 after the hospital's management pledged to address the issues.