Ministry of Health warns: Doctor whose license was suspended continues to provide consultations

The Ministry of Health warns the public against receiving medical services from Dr. Michael Yanko, whose medical license was suspended for 15 years. According to the Ministry, several reports have been received recently stating that Yanko continues to provide mental health consultations, including opinions regarding children and adolescents, even though he is not authorized to practice medicine.

Yanko's license was suspended in December 2025 following his criminal conviction for obtaining benefits by fraud under aggravating circumstances and after a disciplinary proceeding held regarding him at the Ministry of Health. According to the Ministry, the proceedings found that Yanko provided false recommendations for the purpose of obtaining medical cannabis licenses. The disciplinary tribunal determined that this was "systematic and recurring criminal conduct" that severely damages public trust in the medical profession.

The Ministry emphasized that the license suspension is still in effect, and therefore Yanko is not authorized to practice medicine. This means that medical opinions, certificates, diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or medical documents provided by him are invalid. It was further stated that such documents will not be recognized by official bodies, including courts, medical committees, government ministries, HMOs, educational institutions, the IDF, the National Insurance Institute, and insurance companies.

The Ministry of Health called on the public to verify, before receiving any consultation, opinion, or medical document, that the practitioner holds a valid license to practice medicine in Israel.