Ministry of Health partially resumes operations at Medica Raphael hospital
Two weeks after the Ministry of Health closed the operating rooms at Medica Raphael hospital due to deficiencies and staff shortages, four rooms have resumed partial operations under strict supervision.
A gradual return to the operating table: about two weeks after the Ministry of Health ordered the immediate closure of the operating rooms at the Medica Raphael hospital in the Atidim Park in Tel Aviv, the restriction was partially lifted this past Sunday. The hospital has resumed activity in four operating rooms, authorized to perform major surgeries only, in accordance with a plan approved by the ministry.
The closure order was issued on July 17, 2026, following a surprise inspection. The audit revealed improper work processes in the operating rooms and the central sterile supply system, alongside a significant shortage of personnel. The ministry defined these deficiencies as a risk to patient safety and ordered the immediate cessation of all medical activity in the operating rooms until the findings were fully rectified.
The inspection highlighted issues with disinfection, sterilization, and the supply of medical equipment. The central sterile supply unit is responsible for receiving tools after use, cleaning, disinfecting, packaging, and sterilizing them. Any failure in this chain could compromise sterility and increase the risk of post-operative infections.
The audit also revealed a significant staff shortage. Operating rooms require the presence of qualified medical and nursing teams, as well as staff responsible for sterilization and equipment control. A lack of personnel creates a burden, makes it difficult to adhere to procedures, and can lead to errors in processes where precise and continuous work is required.
Over the two weeks since the order was issued, hospital management was required to implement corrections and present their actions to the Ministry of Health. After examining the steps taken, the ministry determined that the conditions for the partial operation of the operating rooms had been met.
Under the new decision, four operating rooms have been reopened. This does not represent a full cancellation of the closure order or an immediate return to pre-inspection routines, but rather a gradual and supervised renewal in accordance with the restrictions set by the Ministry of Health.
The hospital's board of directors and management have declared that the deficiencies have been corrected and have committed to meeting all licensing conditions, including those regarding staff qualifications, infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and infection prevention.
The Ministry of Health announced that it will continue to conduct regular audits at Medica Raphael to ensure compliance with these commitments. The ministry noted that such audits will also continue at other hospitals as part of its ongoing supervision of licensing conditions and patient safety.
