Which institution provides medical or surgical care and treatment for the sick or injured?

A hospital is a facility specifically designed to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients who are sick or injured. Hospitals are equipped with advanced medical equipment, staffed by a wide range of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, and specialists, and often host various departments such as emergency, surgery, and intensive care. They are capable of handling complex medical conditions and providing both inpatient and outpatient care.

Clinics, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers serve important roles in the healthcare system, but their primary functions differ from that of a hospital. Clinics typically provide routine care and are often focused on preventive services; emergency rooms handle urgent cases, but they are a part of a hospital; and urgent care centers are designed for immediate, yet non-life-threatening issues, often outside normal doctor’s office hours. While all these options play significant roles in patient care, a hospital uniquely combines the capabilities to perform extensive treatment and comprehensive medical services under one roof, making it the correct choice for this question.