What is the ruling on preferring poor patients over the poor of the country in the distribution of Zakat, and what is the ruling on delaying the distribution of Zakat to ascertain the needs of the patients?

Delaying zakat is forbidden except for an excuse or a need. Verifying the need and eligibility of the recipient is considered a permissible excuse for delay, provided it is estimated reasonably. Giving to a needy person in a hospital in another country, even if it is more than what is given to the poor people of one's own country and prioritizing them, is permissible. The important thing is that personal desires and interests do not interfere.