2. INDEXING
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
HISTORY OF HOSPITAL
HISTORY OF HOSPITAL IN INDIA
DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL
FUNCTIONS OF HOSPITAL
3. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
A hospital is a healthcare institution that provides
patient treatment with specialized health science and
auxiliary healthcare staff and medical equipment. The
most well-known type of hospital is the general
hospital, which typically has an emergency
department to treat urgent health problems ranging
from fire and accident victims to a sudden illness.
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4. HISTORY OF HOSPITAL
• The history of hospitals began in antiquity with hospitals in Greece, the Roman
Empire, and on the Indian subcontinent.
• The Greek temples were dedicated to the sick and infirm but did not look
anything like modern hospitals.
• The first Christian hospital was founded in the eastern Byzantine Empire by
Basil of Caesarea.
• St Bartholomew’s hospital in West Smithfield in London, founded in 1123, is
widely considered the oldest functioning hospital today.
• The Mihintale Hospital in Sri Lanka, established in the 9th century, is probably
the site with the oldest archaeological evidence available for a hospital in the
world.
• Early Chinese and Japanese hospitals were established by Western missionaries
in the 1800s.
• During World War I and World War II, many military hospitals and hospital
innovations were created.
• In the late 1900s and 21st century, hospital networks and government health
organizations were formed to manage groups of hospitals to control costs and
share resources.
• The modern concept of a hospital dates from 331 CE when Roman emperor
Constantine I, having been converted to Christianity, abolished all pagan
hospitals and thus created the opportunity for a new start.
5. HISTORY OF HOSPITAL IN INDIA
• In India, hospitals have existed from ancient times. Even in 6th century
BC, during the time of Buddha, there were a number of hospitals to look
after the handicapped and the poor.
• The outstanding hospitals in India at that time were those built by King
Ashoka (273–232 BC)1.
• Western medicine has existed in India since the 1600s starting with early
Portuguese influence.
• However, it wasn’t until 1664 that the French established the first
hospital, followed by a British hospital in 16682.
• The Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, established
in 1664, is considered the first modern hospital in India.
• British rule over the country expanded healthcare facilities such as
dispensaries at the local and sub-division levels.
• In the late 1900s and 21st century, hospital networks and government
health organizations were formed to manage groups of hospitals to
control costs and share resources.
6. DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL
A hospital is a specialized medical facility designed
to provide a wide range of healthcare services,
including diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and
preventive care, to individuals who are sick or
injured. Hospitals are equipped with advanced
medical technology and staffed by a team of
healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses,
and support staff, to deliver comprehensive and
coordinated medical care. These institutions play a
crucial role in promoting and maintaining the health
and well-being of communities.
7. FUNCTIONS OF HOSPITAL
Clinical Services:
• Inpatient Care: Providing medical services for patients who require overnight
stays.
• Outpatient Care: Offering medical services to individuals without overnight
stays.
• Emergency Care: Immediate treatment for acute illnesses or injuries.
Surgical Services:
• Operating Rooms: Conducting surgical procedures for various medical conditions.
• Postoperative Care: Monitoring and providing care for patients after surgery.
Diagnostic and Imaging Services:
• Laboratory Services: Conducting tests to diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
• MedicalImaging: Using technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI for diagnostic
purposes.
8. Maternity and Obstetric Services:
• Labor and Delivery: Providing care for expectant mothers during childbirth.
• Neonatal Care: Caring for newborns, including premature or ill infants.
Pediatric Services:
• PediatricWards: Specialized care for children with various medical needs.
Specialized Medical Services:
• Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, etc.: Providing specialized care for specific medical
conditions.
Rehabilitation Services:
• Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy: Assisting patients in recovering functionality
after illness or surgery.
Mental Health Services:
• PsychiatricWards: Providing care for individuals with mental health conditions.
9. Primary Care and General Medicine:
• Internal Medicine, Family Medicine: Offering routine medical care and managing
chronic conditions.
Preventive and Community Health Services:
• HealthEducation Programs: Educating the community on healthy lifestyles.
• VaccinationClinics: Administering vaccines to prevent communicable diseases.
Research and Education:
• Medical Research: Conducting studies to advance medical knowledge.
• Medical Education: Training future healthcare professionals.
Administrative Services:
• Hospital Administration: Overseeing daily operations, finances, and strategic
planning.
• Human Resources, Finance: Managing personnel and financial aspects of the hospital.
10. CLASSIFICATION OF HOSPITAL
Hospitals can be classified in various ways based on different criteria
1. Objectives:
General Hospitals: General hospitals are comprehensive healthcare facilities
that offer a wide range of medical services and treatments. They typically
provide emergency care, surgery, diagnostic services, and various medical
specialties. These hospitals aim to address the diverse healthcare needs of the
community, offering both inpatient and outpatient services.
Special Hospitals: Special hospitals, also known as specialty hospitals, focus on
specific medical areas or conditions. Unlike general hospitals, they tailor their
services to a particular healthcare niche, such as pediatrics, orthopedics,
cardiology, or mental health. This specialization allows them to provide more
targeted and in-depth care within their chosen field of expertise.
Teaching cum Research Hospitals: Teaching cum research hospitals, commonly
affiliated with medical schools and universities, play a crucial role in medical
education and research. In addition to providing patient care, these hospitals
serve as training grounds for medical students, residents, and other healthcare
professionals.
11. 2. Ownership:
Public Hospitals: Government-funded and operated.
Private Hospitals: Owned and operated by private entities.
3. Length of Stay:
Short-stay hospitals; also called short-term Hospitals and can
accommodate and provide the services for less than 30 days.
Long-stay hospitals also called long-term Hospitals and can accommodate
and provide the services for more than 30 days.
4. Bed Capacity:
Small Hospitals, which can accommodate and provide the facility up to
100 beds.
Medium Hospitals, which can accommodate and provide the facility for
more than 100 while less than 300 beds.
Large Hospitals, which can accommodate and provide the facility for more
than 300 beds.
12. 5. Type of care:
Primary Care Hospitals:
Primary care hospitals are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking
healthcare services.
They provide basic and routine healthcare services, including preventive care,
general check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment of common illnesses and
injuries.
Primary care hospitals are typically staffed by general practitioners, family
physicians, and other healthcare professionals who offer comprehensive, non-
specialized care.
Secondary Care Hospital:
Secondary care hospitals are more specialized than primary care facilities
and provide a higher level of care.
These hospitals have specialized departments and services, such as surgery,
cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
Specialists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals with expertise in
specific medical fields work in secondary care hospitals.
Secondary care hospitals offer inpatient services for patients requiring
overnight stays, as well as outpatient services for less severe cases.
Emergency departments in secondary care hospitals provide immediate care
for acute medical conditions.
13. Tertiary Care Hospitals:
Tertiary care hospitals are at the highest level of specialization and complexity
in the healthcare system.
They offer highly specialized medical services, including advanced surgeries,
organ transplants, complex diagnostic procedures, and treatment for rare or
complicated medical conditions.
Tertiary care hospitals often serve as referral centers for cases that require the
expertise of specialists and advanced medical technologies.
Medical research, education, and training are commonly associated with tertiary
care hospitals, and they may be affiliated with medical schools and universities.