The administration of Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot filed a formal complaint with Israel Police last week following suspicion of a serious breach in the hospital's cardiology department, the hospital announced.
The complaint stems from preliminary findings that revealed a significant internal failure during a laboratory research project in the department. The findings suggest that blood samples were taken from various patients without obtaining informed consent, as required by law and medical protocols.
Israeli law and medical ethics require explicit informed consent for any medical trial, research, or protocol involving human subjects, including the taking of measurements or blood tests beyond routine treatment. Patients must receive a comprehensive explanation of the nature and purpose of the research before consenting. The concern that this basic procedure was violated in Kaplan's cardiology department led hospital administration to take a series of extraordinary steps, seeking to address the matter without compromise.
Alongside the formal police complaint, which transferred the matter to criminal investigation, the hospital administration decided on immediate internal measures. A detailed report was also submitted to the relevant authorities at the Health Ministry, updating them on the suspected breach and all actions taken by the administration to prevent recurrence.
Despite the significant steps taken with law enforcement and regulatory authorities, Kaplan officials emphasize that routine medical activity in the cardiology department continues at full capacity. The administration assures that continuity of medical care, professional quality, and patient safety remain fully maintained without any compromise.
"To provide transparent and prompt response to concerns or questions that may arise among patients and their families following this disclosure, the hospital administration has established a dedicated telephone hotline. The hotline will address public inquiries on this matter," the hospital stated.
