Ownership and control - Hospital as Social Organization

Ownership and control:

As a social organization the ownership and control of hospitals is a major issue. The hospital ownership and control underwent significant analysis and change in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Such transformation was prevalent in developed countries, particularly those like India where fiscal sustainability is problematic.

In many countries hospitals are owned and operated by the government. In Great Britain, except for a small number run by religious orders or serving special groups, most hospitals are within the National Health Service. The local hospital management committee answers directly to the regional hospital board and ultimately to the Department of Health and Social Security. In the United States most hospitals are neither owned nor operated by governmental agencies. In some instances hospitals that are part of a regional health authority are governed by the board of the regional authority, and hence these hospitals no longer have their own boards.

In Canada some hospitals are owned by religious orders and are contracted to deliver publicly funded services. Other hospitals may be owned by municipalities or provincial or territorial governments.

Worldwide, many hospitals are associated with universities; others were founded by religious groups or by public‐spirited individuals. Mental health facilities traditionally have been the responsibility of state or provincial governments, while military and veterans hospitals have been provided by the federal government. In addition, there are a number of municipal and county general hospitals.