The head of a major private hospital network in Eretz Yisroel has stepped down following a government inspection that uncovered serious concerns involving surgical procedures, anesthesia and medication practices.

Anat Nussbaum, CEO of the Medica hospital network, has announced her resignation following the Israeli Health Ministry's decision to suspend medical activity at the network's Tel Aviv facility over serious patient safety concerns.

The resignation, reported on October 19 and 20, comes several weeks after the ministry ordered operations halted at the Medica Tel Aviv hospital in Ramat HaChayal following a surprise inspection.

According to the Health Ministry, inspectors uncovered a series of serious deficiencies involving medical procedures, professional qualifications and the handling of controlled medications.

Among the findings were allegations that nurses performed surgical procedures beyond the scope of their authorized responsibilities and that anesthesiologists were employed without the required specialist certification.

Inspectors also identified alleged violations involving the use of narcotic medications.

The ministry described the findings as evidence of systemic failures that placed patients at risk, prompting its September 28 order suspending medical activity at the facility.

The hospital, located on HaBarzel Street in Tel Aviv, was ordered to cease medical operations pending further action by health authorities.

The closure raised concerns about oversight and safety standards at private medical facilities, particularly for patients who rely on such hospitals for surgical procedures and specialized treatment.

Following the controversy, Nussbaum announced that she would leave her position as CEO.

Dr. Eitan Hai-Am, a former director-general of the Health Ministry who previously headed Soroka and Assuta hospitals, was named as her replacement.

The leadership change comes as Medica seeks to address the deficiencies identified by regulators and work toward obtaining approval to resume operations.

Medica has challenged the proportionality of the closure decision, while the Health Ministry has maintained that the findings required intervention to protect patients.

As of the October 20 reporting, reopening the Tel Aviv facility remained subject to Health Ministry authorization.

The developments have drawn attention to the responsibilities of hospital management and regulators to ensure that medical procedures are performed by appropriately qualified professionals and that medications are administered in accordance with the law.

For patients and families throughout Eretz Yisroel, the case underscores the importance of clear safety standards and effective oversight of both public and private medical institutions.

The hospital's future operations will depend on its ability to satisfy the Health Ministry's requirements and obtain the necessary authorization to resume medical services.