The primary purpose of a discharge certificate is to summarize the patient's treatment and condition at the time of discharge. It provides a clear and concise record of the hospital stay, including diagnosis, procedures performed, clinical progress, and recommendations for follow-up care. This document ensures continuity of care by informing the next healthcare provider about the patient’s status and ongoing management needs. Unlike death certification or surgical authorization, the discharge certificate focuses on the patient’s overall clinical journey and recovery status. This is essential for both medico-legal documentation and patient communication.

Reference: Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery, F. Charles Brunicardi, 11th Edition.