Haigla

Haigla is the Estonian term for a hospital, a health care facility that provides medical treatment, diagnostic services, and care for people who are ill, injured, or disabled. Hospitals may offer inpatient care, with patients staying for monitoring or procedures, and outpatient services for those who do not require overnight admission.

Common departments in hospitals include emergency departments, radiology, surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, intensive care, and rehabilitation. Many hospitals also host specialized units such as oncology, psychiatry, cardiology, or orthopedics, and some provide maternity or neonatal care. Hospitals work in coordination with clinics, primary care physicians, and ambulance services to deliver comprehensive care across a patient’s health needs.

Types and governance: General hospitals provide a broad range of services for a wide patient population; specialized hospitals focus on one field, such as pediatrics, mental health, or oncology; teaching or academic hospitals are affiliated with universities and train health professionals. In many countries, including Estonia, hospitals are funded and administered by public authorities or public-private arrangements, though private or nonprofit hospitals also exist. The organizational structure typically includes medical departments, nursing staff, support services, and administrative functions.

History and role: The concept of a hospital evolved over centuries toward institutions primarily dedicated to treatment and professional care rather than charity alone. In Estonia and many other nations, hospitals form a central part of the health system, delivering acute care, surgery, maternity services, and rehabilitation, while working with outpatient care and preventive health programs to maintain population health.