Any township having a population of less than 500,000 may establish, acquire by purchase or otherwise, construct, improve, extend, repair, equip, maintain, and operate a public hospital under this Article. If a township utilizes its authority to levy a tax under this Article to establish, acquire by purchase or otherwise, construct, improve, extend, repair, equip, maintain, and operate a public hospital, the township is prohibited from carrying out these acts for the support of a public hospital located outside of the township unless authorized by referendum.