President Isaac and Michal Herzog Visit MDA’s Marcus National Blood Services Center
Today, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog visited Magen David Adom’s Marcus National Blood Services Center in Ramle, accompanied by MDA Director General Eli Bin.
The Marcus National Blood Services Center is responsible for collecting, testing, processing, and distributing approximately 95% of Israel’s blood supply, serving hospitals and the IDF across the country. During the visit, the President was briefed on MDA’s critical role in maintaining blood reserves during Operation Roaring Lion and throughout ongoing national security challenges.
Inside the National Emergency Dispatch Center
As part of the visit, President Herzog toured MDA’s National Emergency Dispatch Center, where he observed dispatchers in real time as they handled emergency calls from across the country.
The President received an overview of the advanced technological systems used by MDA, including real-time GPS tracking of ambulances, integrated digital command systems, mass-casualty response coordination, and rapid deployment protocols. He witnessed firsthand how calls are received, triaged, and translated into immediate field response within seconds.
MDA officials emphasized how the Dispatch Center operates as the operational heart of the organization, especially during times of war, when response volume increases dramatically and coordinated national deployment becomes essential.
Training the Next Generation of Paramedics
The President and First Lady also visited MDA’s Paramedic School, where they met paramedics to get a glimpse of their training. They observed a simulation designed to prepare paramedics for both routine emergencies and large-scale national crises.
President Herzog spoke directly with paramedics about their service, expressing appreciation for their dedication and professionalism, particularly during Operation Roaring Lion.
He highlighted the critical role MDA plays during wartime and on a daily basis, noting that the organization serves as a vital component of Israel’s civilian resilience and emergency preparedness infrastructure.
Strengthening Israel’s Medical Resilience
Throughout the visit, MDA Director General Eli Bin outlined the organization’s nationwide readiness, including blood supply management, emergency response coordination, and paramedic training, all of which are essential during periods of heightened security.
The visit highlighted MDA’s central role in safeguarding Israel’s civilian population and supporting the nation’s hospitals and security forces, both in .routine operations and in times of war
