Currently, there is no specific top-level domain (TLD) available for the term “HOSPITAL”. Top-level domains are essentially the parts at the end of the web addresses, which are also commonly referred to as domain extensions. Examples of TLDs include .com (commercial), .org (organization), and .gov (government), as stated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization which oversees the coordination of the global internet’s systems of unique identifiers, and ensuring its stable and secure operation.
As of today, ICANN’s list does not include .HOSPITAL as a valid or existing TLD. There have been developments over recent years involving the creation of new TLDs, but .HOSPITAL specifically has not been introduced. One should note that there are health care specific TLDs such as .HEALTH and .HEALTHCARE that entities within healthcare sector might consider using.
The process of developing a new TLD, according to ICANN’s new gTLD program, is extensive and involves a number of stakeholder groups, including governments, to ensure that the TLD is appropriate and will not infrailge on the rights or safety of individuals or organizations.
However, the discussion does not stop there. Many critics of new TLDs like .HOSPITAL argue that health-related TLDs could be misused. As recorded in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the risks include false advertising and misinformation about healthcare, along with potential cybersquatting – where domains are purchased with popular keywords (like health) to be sold for a profit later on.
A more specific TLD like .HOSPITAL could have potential benefits, such as providing a clear identity for hospitals’ online presence, making web addresses more intuitive and memorable. However, the same concerns about misuse and dissemination of misinformation apply. A solution to this could be a robust monitoring and regulations system that ensures only legitimate hospitals and related organizations can register a .HOSPITAL domain.
The websites of hospitals today commonly use .com, .org, or the TLD of their country (such as .uk or .au). For example, Mayo Clinic uses a .org domain (mayoclinic.org), reflecting its status as a non-profit organization. Similarly, the UK’s National Health Service uses a .uk domain (nhs.uk).
In conclusion, while having a .HOSPITAL TLD might seem advantageous for the healthcare industry, there are significant hurdles to consider, including mimicking and misuse. Today, hospitals and healthcare institutions make use of a variety of more general TLDs, and it would require a compelling argument and rigorous policies for .HOSPITAL to become a reality.
Sources:
ICANN – New gTLD Program
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
