Final answer:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is primarily engaged in supporting medical research, contributing to significant medical advancements and economic benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily focuses on supporting medical research. Established as a one-room laboratory in 1887, the NIH has been at the forefront of medical advancements, such as in genetics, cancer, and aging research. It is the nation's medical research agency, and its work has contributed to saving lives and improving health outcomes around the world. Although the NIH is not directly responsible for ensuring workplace safety, checking drug effectiveness, or controlling the spread of diseases, its research contributes significantly to these areas by improving the foundational knowledge that informs such activities. For example, NIH-sponsored research has led to over 80 Nobel prizes and added significant value to the U.S. GDP while supporting millions of jobs. Federal grants support the NIH, emphasizing the critical role government plays in fostering medical innovation and cooperative research efforts.