Hadassah Hospital faces scrutiny over Limassol medical centre opening

Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem has come under scrutiny following the inauguration of a new medical centre in Limassol, Cyprus, late last week. According to a report by the Israeli business newspaper Calcalist published on October 19, 2026, the hospital launched the facility without providing prior notification to Israel’s ministries of Health and Finance. These ministries, responsible for overseeing the institution's operational and financial stability, stated that they had not been informed of the project.

The controversy centers on the hospital’s financial health, as Hadassah received approximately 162 million shekels (over €46.5 million) in state support last year. While the hospital management claims that no Israeli funds were invested in the Limassol project, asserting it was financed by Cypriot investors, concerns remain regarding the use of the Hadassah brand and the potential impact on domestic medical resources. The hospital maintains that the venture will enhance Israel’s international profile.

The Israeli health ministry has called for a formal evaluation to assess the venture's impact on public services and finances. Hadassah confirmed that the expansion was approved by its internal governing bodies, including the Women's Zionist Organization, but the lack of governmental oversight has prompted ongoing investigations into the propriety of the arrangement.