Three detained in probe of unconsented blood tests at Kaplan Medical Center
Investigators from the Israel Police took three staff members into custody on Thursday, November 5, regarding allegations that patient samples were collected for research without permission.
By Martin Reynolds ·
Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot has moved from internal review to formal criminal inquiry after three employees were detained on the morning of Thursday, November 5. The Israel Police's Central District Fraud and Cybercrime Unit took the suspects into custody to question them regarding the collection of blood samples from cardiology patients.
The investigation began approximately two weeks ago when hospital officials identified irregularities in the cardiology department. Preliminary findings indicate that a senior staff member and two other employees gathered blood specimens for research projects. These tests were not part of the patients' standard medical treatment or immediate diagnostic care. The core allegation is that the hospital failed to obtain informed consent from the individuals whose blood was drawn.
Prof. Kobi George, the head of the cardiology department, was suspended from his duties shortly after the initial suspicions emerged. His suspension was part of the hospital's immediate response to the growing concerns about staff conduct within the unit. The medical center subsequently contacted the police and formally reported the allegations to the Health Ministry.
As of the latest reports, the patients involved have not yet been notified of their participation in the case. Hospital administrators and investigators are proceeding with caution to manage the communication process with those affected. The detention of the three suspects signals that the case has transitioned from an administrative review to a police-led criminal probe.
The Central District Fraud and Cybercrime Unit is leading the response, a designation that reflects the specific nature of the allegations being examined. The unit is responsible for gathering evidence and interviewing the detained individuals to determine the full scope of the incident. Investigators are focusing on the methods used to collect the samples and verifying whether they were indeed utilized for research without the patients' knowledge.
Kaplan Medical Center confirmed in a statement that it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to resolve the matter. The hospital is working closely with authorities while continuing to treat patients in units not under scrutiny. The Health Ministry's involvement adds a regulatory dimension to the case, potentially leading to reviews of how research and clinical care are separated in the department.
The next steps in the legal process will depend on the evidence gathered during the questioning of the three suspects. All parties involved are focused on establishing the sequence of events and the motivations behind the collection of the blood samples. The hospital and police are working to clarify the facts before any further announcements are made.
