This class includes the activities of general and specialized hospitals, sanatoria, preventoria, asylums, rehabilitation centres, leprosaria, dental centres and other health institutions which have accommodation facilities, including military base and prison hospitals. The activities are chiefly directed to in-patients and carried out under the direct supervision of medical doctors. They comprise the services of medical and para-medical staff, laboratory and technical facilities, including radiological and anaesthesiological services, food and other hospital facilities and resources such as emergency room services.

Exclusions: Health activities for military personnel in the field are classified in class 7522 (Defence activities).

Dental activities without accommodation are classified in class 8512 (Medical and dental practice activities).

Activities carried out predominantly for out-patients are classified in class 8519 (Other human health activities), as are activities of ambulances.

Veterinary activities are classified in class 8520.