Kaplan Medical Center Senior Official Detained in Forgery and Research Probe
Police detained a senior official at Kaplan Medical Center and two others over suspected forgery and taking patient blood samples without consent during research.
Fraud investigators from the Central District Police detained a senior official from Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot alongside two other individuals on Thursday morning over suspected forgery and procedural violations. The investigation stems from a complaint filed last month by the management of the Clalit-affiliated medical center, following suspicions that blood samples were taken from patients without their required legal consent during laboratory research conducted within the hospital's cardiology department.
Department Head Suspended Amid Probe
Following the initial findings, hospital management suspended the head of the cardiology department, Prof. Kobi George, who is already at the center of a separate investigation concerning suspected certification of medical residents based on allegedly false records. The police fraud unit in the Central District has taken over the investigation initially launched in Rehovot.
Ministry of Health and Hospital Response
The Ministry of Health stated that it received a detailed report from the hospital director regarding the police complaint and is coordinating enforcement measures in accordance with the law. Hospital officials emphasized that regular medical activity in the cardiology department continues uninterrupted, and a dedicated hotline has been established for patient inquiries at 08-9440245.
Representatives for Prof. Kobi George maintained that he is fully cooperating with the investigation, asserting that the matter involves administrative recording errors rather than intentional wrongdoing. Legal counsel expressed hope that the truth will emerge without inflicting undue damage to the medical staff and patients.
