Barzilai Medical Center, located in Ashkelon, Israel, is a comprehensive medical facility established in 1961. It serves a population of approximately 500,000 people, including the cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat, Sderot, and surrounding settlements. The center plays a crucial role both during peacetime and in times of emergency, particularly due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip.

The hospital has a capacity of 602 inpatient beds, 60 outpatient beds, and 40 neonatal cradles. It offers a wide range of services, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, laboratory services, and advanced imaging technologies available 24 hours a day. The medical staff consists of about 2,000 employees, including 300 physicians.

Barzilai Medical Center is known for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare and has been a critical facility in treating both civilians and soldiers during conflicts. The center has a rich history of development and expansion, aiming to integrate inpatient services with broader public health care to benefit the community comprehensively.

Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel, is a key healthcare facility serving a diverse population of about 500,000 people in the southwestern region of the country, including the areas of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat, Sderot, and the rural areas near the Gaza Strip. The hospital has 650 beds and has undergone specialized training to manage complex trauma cases, particularly due to its proximity to conflict zones and frequent rocket attacks.

The hospital provides a broad range of specialized medical services. Key departments include:

1. Trauma and Emergency Care: Barzilai is recognized as a Level 1 Trauma Center, equipped to handle critically ill and seriously injured patients. This status allows the hospital to provide advanced trauma care, essential during times of conflict​​.

2. Oncology: The oncology department offers comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions.

3. Cardiology: Advanced cardiac care services, including catheterization, cardiothoracic surgery, and rehabilitation programs.

4. Neurology and Neurosurgery: Specialized care for neurological conditions, supported by advanced imaging and surgical facilities.

5. Pediatrics: Pediatric care, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for premature and critically ill infants.

6. Obstetrics and Gynecology: Comprehensive maternal and fetal care, including high-risk pregnancy management and neonatal care​​.

7. Surgical Services: Various surgical specialties, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.

Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel, is a medium-large hospital with a capacity of 650 beds, serving a population of 500,000 people. It has a strong reputation for providing quality healthcare, particularly in trauma care due to its proximity to the Gaza border, just seven miles away. The hospital has been crucial during conflicts, offering specialized care for trauma cases and treating thousands of casualties during periods of conflict such as the October 7 war​.

The medical center is undergoing significant developments, including an upgrade to a Level 1 Trauma Center, which will enhance its capability to treat critically ill and seriously injured patients​. Despite facing challenges such as rocket attacks, which have occasionally damaged its infrastructure, the hospital has maintained its commitment to high standards of care. It has an underground protected area to ensure the safety and continuity of medical services during emergencies​.

Barzilai Medical Center is also affiliated with Ben Gurion University, making it an important academic institution that trains hundreds of medical students annually. This affiliation supports its commitment to medical education and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery​​.

Barzilai Medical Center, located in Ashkelon, Israel, serves as a critical healthcare facility for the region, providing comprehensive medical services to over 550,000 people. Established in 1961, the hospital was named after Israel Barzilai, the former Minister of Health, who played a significant role in its founding.

The strategic direction of Barzilai Medical Center focuses on integrating high-quality inpatient and outpatient services, which cater to a diverse population that includes significant numbers of Ethiopian and Russian immigrants. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including specialized divisions in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency care. It also provides advanced imaging and laboratory services, ensuring round-the-clock availability of crucial diagnostic tools.

In recent years, Barzilai Medical Center has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to conflict zones, being just six miles from Gaza. The hospital has been targeted by rocket attacks, necessitating the construction of fortified areas to protect patients and staff. Despite these adversities, the center continues to advance in medical innovations, such as introducing novel treatments for chronic skin wounds and pioneering endoscopic micro-systems for salivary gland procedures.

The purpose of Barzilai Medical Center extends beyond providing medical care; it serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in a region frequently affected by conflict. The hospital is dedicated to maintaining a strong connection with the local and regional population, ensuring that all health needs from childhood to adulthood are met under one roof.

Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel, has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding contributions to healthcare. Some of the notable recognitions include:

1. President's Award from Ben Gurion University: This award was given in recognition of the medical center's dedication and extraordinary resilience in the face of crises, particularly highlighting the work of the medical teams in southern Israel.

2. Excellency Award to Professor Shefer Moshe: This award was for his research on the contribution of the BPTF gene mutation to the development of Kaposi sarcoma.

3. Dr. Matslyah Dikla's Recognition: Dr. Dikla, an ENT and Head and Neck surgeon at Barzilai, was chosen to light the beacon of medicine on Mount Hertzel on Israel's 76th Independence Day.

Additionally, Barzilai Medical Center has been recognized as a Level 1 trauma center by the Israeli Health Ministry, enabling it to handle critically ill patients and significantly contributing to its role during emergencies​​.