Israel's Health Ministry issued an immediate administrative closure order halting all medical activity at a phototherapy clinic operating on Rabbi Akiva Street in Bnei Brak, after a surprise inspection uncovered serious sanitary and operational failures, according to Kikar HaShabbat.
The closure followed a snap inspection conducted at the clinic by ministry representatives examining whether the facility met required professional standards. According to the ministry's official statement, inspectors found deficiencies at the site classified as severe and posing a risk to patient safety. The inspectors' report noted a significant shortage of qualified medical staff at the clinic, alongside improper work procedures. Inspectors also found deficiencies in cleanliness and in the sterilization of medical equipment used in treatments there.
Phototherapy treatments involve controlled exposure to light rays and are used to treat various skin conditions. Because of the nature of the treatment and the direct contact of the equipment with patients, the Health Ministry maintains strict hygiene and sterilization protocols, and findings indicating failures in these areas trigger an immediate halt to service in order to prevent potential health risks.
Under the terms of the closure order, no medical activity or patient intake may take place at the clinic starting immediately. The Health Ministry said the facility will remain closed and will not be permitted to resume routine operations until all of the deficiencies identified in the inspection report are fully and thoroughly corrected, subject to a future decision and renewed approval from ministry representatives.
"The inspection findings showed that the institute has severe deficiencies posing an immediate risk to patient safety, including a significant shortage of medical staff, improper work processes, and deficiencies in the cleanliness and sterilization of equipment," the Health Ministry said in its statement. "The terms of the closure order establish that starting today, no medical activity will take place at the institute until the deficiencies are fully corrected, in accordance with the Health Ministry's decision."
