> That ideal doesn't exist, and probably can't, in the real world.
Yes it does, and it's a reality throughout the economy not just an ideal.
> Hospitals are often losing money because they're covering the cost of procedures for people who can't pay.
No, that's not true. The costs of unpaid bills is very low and not a major cost.
> When 'spending less' means customers get less care
That's not the case. Look at the horrible reputation of the VAs and government medical facilities vs. privately run.
My grandfather had free VA due to his military service, but bought additional medical insurance so he could go to a non-VA hospital instead-- the reputation of VA hospitals has been horrible.
Also there are many top-quality for-profit hospitals, some of the most respected in my area are for-profit hospitals. But also many doctors in practice for themselves provide excellent services as a for-profit practice.
> Long and short, hospitals and medical entities exist to help people with their most basic needs
That's why profitability is important, because it drives down costs and encourages innovation, as opposed to lack of profitability.
> Seeing 'for profit' companies making a profit from misery, illness, sickness and death isn't something that is going to sit well with most people.
Profitable companies help people every day, they make a profit providing a valuable service which is complex and requires a lot of investment and expertise.
They provide advanced medical services and pharmaceuticals and they save millions of people's lives. If you claim otherwise then you are simply clueless.
Profit is what lowers costs and drives innovation and investment. I don't know why you would be on an entrepreneur forum if you think profit is bad-- without profit there would be no entrepreneurship.