Paying Zakah to a hospital's charitable fund

Q: Attached is a copy of the letter from King Faysal's Private Hospital including their request for support for the Charity Fund of the hospital. This fund is assigned for helping the poor and needy, who are unable to pay the costs of treatment and accommodation inside the city of Riyadh concerning patients and their attendants that come from all over the Kingdom. Is it permissible to pay Zakah (obligatory charity) to this fund? Please, advise! May Allah reward you with the best and render all our deeds sincerely for His Sake only!

A: In our view, it is not permissible to pay Zakah to this fund; since the beneficiaries stated therein are not - by way of certainty and trust - among the categories of qualified Zakah recipients stipulated in Shari`ah (Islamic law). (Part No. 9; Page No. 438) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.