What is the primary function of a hospital?

The primary function of a hospital is to provide medical and surgical treatment. Hospitals are equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, whether they require immediate intervention or surgical procedures. They have advanced technology, specialized healthcare professionals, and an emergency response capacity that are essential for acute care, making them vital to saving lives and improving patient outcomes. While diagnostic tests, long-term care, and medication supply are important services that hospitals may offer, they serve mainly as supportive functions within the larger framework of delivering medical and surgical care. Therefore, the focus on direct patient treatment underscores why providing medical and surgical treatment is recognized as the primary role of a hospital.