All hospitals located within each of the several counties which are not principally dependent for their maintenance and operation upon state or federal appropriation are authorized to furnish any indigent person with proper medical or surgical care and attention, to be paid therefor in the manner provided in this chapter.

29 Del. C. 1953, § 7201; 57 Del. Laws, c. 228, § 4; 57 Del. Laws, c. 747, § 1