Is it permissible to give zakat funds to charities that do not directly empower the poor with money, but rather pay off their debts or cover the costs of their medical treatment or education directly to the beneficiary entities (such as hospitals and universities) on their behalf?

It is permissible to give zakat to trustworthy charitable organizations for them to deliver it to those who are eligible, even if these organizations undertake to pay off debts or the cost of medicine on their behalf, especially if the organization has experience and knowledge of those who are eligible. There is no harm in delaying zakat slightly to wait for a specific poor person or a more needy relative, but it is not permissible to delay it for a long period.