<P> A public hospital or government hospital is a hospital which is owned by a government and receives government funding . In some countries, this type of hospital provides medical care free of charge, the cost of which is covered by government reimbursement . </P> <P> In Australia, public hospitals are operated and funded by each individual state's health department . The federal government also contributes funding . Services in public hospitals for all Australian citizens and permanent residents are fully subsidized by the federal government's Medicare Universal Healthcare program . Hospitals in Australia treat all Australian citizens and permanent residents regardless of their age, income, or social status . </P>

Who is the public hospital sector funded by