Health Ministry Shifts Israeli Hospitals to Wartime Footing; Inpatients Transferred to Underground Fortified Units

Following the commencement of the campaign against Iran, Israeli hospitals transition to fortified underground units to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 5:33 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Jerusalem Post.

Nationwide Transition to Underground Medical Facilities

Following the initiation of coordinated strikes against the Iranian regime, Israel’s healthcare system has officially shifted to a wartime footing. Major medical centers, including Rambam in Haifa and Soroka in Be’er Sheva, have begun the complex process of moving hundreds of patients into reinforced underground wards. These facilities, often located in repurposed parking structures designed specifically for emergency scenarios, provide a high level of protection against conventional and ballistic threats. Experience from previous conflicts has demonstrated that these subterranean units are vital for saving lives during periods of intense bombardment.

Private Sector Integration and Surge Capacity

The mobilization effort includes the participation of private medical institutions like Assuta Ramat HaHayal, which has prepared approximately 200 inpatient beds to support the public system. If public hospitals reach capacity or require further fortification, these private units will serve as essential overflow centers. Additionally, Assuta’s fully protected surgical suites are on standby to handle complex procedures diverted from front line facilities. This integrated approach ensures that the nation’s surgical and intensive care capabilities remain uncompromised regardless of external conditions.

Continuity of Care for High Risk and Homebound Patients

A primary focus of the Health Ministry’s strategy is the protection of approximately 2,400 complex ventilated patients and others dependent on electrical medical equipment. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) have conducted individualized mapping to identify every patient requiring continuous power. Thousands of personal generators capable of providing 72 hours of electricity have been distributed, and regional charging hubs have been established. This meticulous planning ensures that homebound patients using oxygen concentrators or heart failure pumps remain stable even in the event of local power grid disruptions.