Maintaining world-class medical care under the relentless pressures of war requires preparation, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to patients, according to Prof. Tarif Bader, CEO of Kaplan Medical Center and former Israel Defense Forces chief medical officer.
Speaking at The Jerusalem Post New York Conference, Bader, in an interview with Anna Ahronheim, Editor of Defense & Tech, reflected on his journey to leading one of the country's major medical centers during one of Israel's most challenging periods.
Born and raised in the Druze village of Hurfeish, Bader said he was taught from an early age to view himself as an integral part of the State of Israel and to contribute to its success. That commitment led him to nearly three decades of military service, culminating in his appointment as the IDF's chief medical officer.
Turning to the events of October 7, Bader described how Kaplan Medical Center quickly shifted from routine operations to emergency mode. Within hours, the hospital received more than 100 casualties from southern Israel. Despite the unprecedented scale of the attack, Bader said years of intensive emergency preparedness enabled Kaplan's staff to respond effectively. "We are training the whole year," he said.
Bader also identified hospital protection infrastructure as one of Israel's most pressing healthcare challenges. Following years of conflict and the recent confrontation with Iran, he warned that many hospitals remain insufficiently fortified. Kaplan Medical Center operates approximately 600 beds, but fewer than 30% are located in protected areas, he said.
Kaplan Medical Center’s ongoing renewal efforts, are being supported by the Friends of Kaplan Medical Center Association, led by CEO Amos Shavit. The association provides critical emergency assistance year-round, particularly during periods of escalation, supplying the hospital with essential equipment, supporting the training of future medical professionals, and advancing the development of fortified hospital wards. Shavit said the organization is “first and foremost committed to the patients and the many injured.”
Serving nearly one million residents in central Israel, Kaplan must be able to continue treating patients even in wartime, Bader stressed. "Our mission is to continue giving treatment to the citizens we serve," he said. "Also during wartime."
This article was written in collaboration with Kaplan Medical Center