Following concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus in Africa and the possibility of patients arriving in Israel, the Ministry of Health began special preparations well in advance and decided to re–establish a dedicated isolation tent for receiving Ebola patients. For this purpose, an engagement was approved under an exemption from tender with the company that originally manufactured the tent, at a total cost of up to NIS 513,000.
According to a document obtained by Walla, the tent was already purchased in 2014 during a previous outbreak of the Ebola virus, assembled at the Rambam Health Care Campus, and subsequently dismantled and transferred to emergency warehouses. This is a unique isolation complex, assembled on a platform that includes special bunds for collecting contaminated liquids and hazardous materials, with the aim of preventing any possibility of contamination and spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health notes that in light of the current outbreak in Africa and the concern for public health here in Israel as well, a decision was made to prepare for a scenario where Ebola patients arrive in the country. According to a recent situation assessment, it was approved to establish a dedicated complex for receiving patients using that same isolation tent, which is currently disassembled in the emergency warehouses.
The document further reveals that the only company capable of making the tent operational is the SYS company, which originally manufactured it. The Ministry explains that the company is the only one capable of performing the assembly, testing, repair, and maintenance work on the system. In addition, it is noted that the manufacturer's warranty expired years ago, but purchasing a new tent is not possible within the required timeframe, as the cost of a similar tent is estimated at approximately NIS 1.3 million.
The price quote submitted by the company includes re–assembling the system within two business days from the approval of the order, with the duration of the work expected to last up to 20 working days. As part of the work, the restoration and renewal of the system's floor, the manufacturing of an external PVC envelope, and a chlorination system functionality check by an expert will be performed. The cost of assembly stands at NIS 303,850 including VAT.
In addition, a price quote for dismantling the tent was also approved in the amount of NIS 38,586 including VAT, as well as an option to expand the engagement by an amount of up to NIS 171,218 for repairs, purchasing spare parts, and supplying additional components if necessary. In total, the maximum scope of the engagement stands at NIS 513,654 including VAT.
The exemption committee justified the decision by the urgency arising from the spread of the virus in African countries and the immediate concern for public health in Israel. The engagement period was set between June 20 and August 31, 2026.
The move comes alongside reassuring announcements from the Ministry of Health and infectious disease experts, who emphasized in recent days that as of now, the two patients suspected of having Ebola tested negative and, as of today, there is no confirmed case in Israel.
The Ministry of Health responded: "The Ministry of Health continuously monitors developments around the world and has conducted systemic preparation in order to ensure optimal readiness of the healthcare system for any possible scenario. As part of the preparations, professional guidelines were distributed to medical teams and relevant hospitals for dealing with suspected cases. In addition, procurement of protective gear and dedicated equipment has been completed, early identification mechanisms were established for travelers returning from morbidity areas, and a system for laboratory identification of Ebola morbidity was set up. Furthermore, the Ministry has prepared several hospitals in national distribution for a number of possible scenarios."