Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a range of charitable institutions; Dar-ul-Shafa specifically refers to a charitable hospital — a public medical facility or infirmary meant to care for the sick and needy. This institution formed part of Firoz Shah’s broader program of social welfare (including almshouses, hospitals, canals and public granaries), which his chronicles emphasise. Dar-ul-Shafa symbolised the ruler’s role as patron of public health and a pious benefactor providing welfare services to subjects.