Assigning Zakah to buy medical equipment for the hospital

Q: We are a university hospital that provides specialized treatment for the inhabitants of the Eastern province. The hospital requires important and high-tech equipment that is not within its budget. Due to the importance of this equipment and the patients' need for it, plus the fact that there are charitable people who are ready to donate, is it permissible for these people to use the money assigned for Zakah (obligatory charity) for this purpose? In addition, the hospital has a Committee for Charity and Islamic Awareness. What is the ruling on collecting Zakah money to support the activities of this Committee, including publishing booklets and Islamic tapes and purchasing the necessary drugs and other requirements of the poor patients that are not provided by the hospital? (Part No. 8; Page No. 391

A: Zakah cannot be assigned to the purposes mentioned. However, Sadaqah (voluntary charity) can be provided by the same people as long as it is not taken from Zakah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.