The Regional Labor Court has issued a precedent-setting decision approving the filing of a class action lawsuit against Meuhedet HMO. This decision follows allegations concerning the branch located at 6 Natan Street, Ramat Gan—a building constructed in the 1960s and leased from the Ramat Gan Municipality. The facility serves the general public, including vulnerable populations, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities who require regular medical services.
The legal core of the claim centers on the assertion that the HMO failed to meet the statutory deadlines required for completing mandatory physical accessibility upgrades at the clinic. According to the allegations, the physical infrastructure does not allow full access to all areas of the clinic for individuals with mobility impairments. The primary operational issue presented to the court concerns the building's elevator, which stops selectively only on even-numbered floors (0, 2, 4, 6) and fails to serve the mezzanines or half-floors located in the rear wing of the building. The described situation directly hinders patients who use walkers or wheelchairs from reaching medical treatment independently and equitably.
In response, Meuhedet HMO stated that it is actively working to make its clinics and services accessible to all members. However, the HMO noted that in this specific case, the installation process for an accessible elevator took longer than originally planned due to the influence of external factors beyond its direct control. The approval of the class action serves as a significant milestone for disability rights organizations and HMO members, as it illustrates the legal liability imposed on public entities to adapt physical spaces to the standards required by law, even in older buildings. For the public, the practical significance is an intensification in the enforcement of accessibility regulations, as medical institutions are required to ensure full accessibility as an integral part of providing healthcare services. The lawsuit will now proceed as a class action in court, where the claims will be examined in depth before a final decision on liability and damages is reached.