(a) This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "Municipal Hospital Act."
(b) The purpose of this Part is to authorize municipalities to construct, operate and maintain hospitals and other facilities which furnish hospital, clinical and similar services to the people of this State. It is also the purpose of this Part to authorize municipalities to cooperate with other public and private agencies and with each other. Additionally, it is the purpose of this Part to authorize municipalities to accept assistance from State and federal agencies and from other sources.
(c) This Part provides an additional and alternative method for municipalities to establish facilities that furnish hospital, clinical and similar services. This Part shall not be regarded as repealing any powers now existing under any other law, either general, special or local.
(d) This Part shall be construed liberally to effect its purposes.