Duties of a CHO: As a Community Health Officer (CHO), you play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellness of the population within your service area. By serving as the first point of care and the primary source of health-related information for the community, you have a significant responsibility. The Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) are designed to provide essential health services, and your proximity to the population makes it crucial to understand their health needs and foster trust in your services. Your role as a CHO encompasses clinical, public health, and managerial functions, each contributing to the effective functioning of the HWCs.
1.Clinical Functions for Ambulatory Care and Management
The clinical duties of a CHO primarily involve providing ambulatory (outpatient) care and managing a range of health conditions. Your training in the Certificate Programme in Community Health has equipped you with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver these services effectively.| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Early Detection, Screening, and First-Level Management | Conduct assessments, history-taking, and physical exams to identify health conditions. Manage common illnesses like childhood diseases, maternal health, and communicable diseases. |
| B. Coordination of Referrals | Facilitate referrals to higher health facilities for high-risk cases, complications, and emergencies. Ensure proper documentation and coordination with referral centers. |
| C. Follow-Up Care | Monitor patients post-treatment for recovery, medication adherence, and complications, including those with chronic illnesses like hypertension or diabetes. |
| D. Counselling and Support | Educate and support patients on health topics like antenatal care, child nutrition, family planning, mental health, and lifestyle modifications. |
| E. Facilitation of Teleconsultation | Provide medical advice and collaborate with healthcare professionals to confirm treatment plans for conditions requiring non-immediate intervention. |
2. Public Health Functions for Health Promotion, Prevention, and Disease Surveillance
As a Duties of a CHO, the duties extend beyond individual patient care to address the broader health needs of the community. Public health functions include health promotion, disease prevention, and surveillance of health trends.| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Data Collection and Service Planning | Register individuals and maintain accurate health data, including information on pregnant women, children under five, and those over 30 for NCD screening. Use data for micro-planning health services. |
| B. Community-Level Health Promotion and Prevention | Engage with local bodies like VHSNCs and PRIs to promote health by addressing sanitation, nutrition, communicable diseases, and lifestyle changes to reduce chronic diseases. |
| C. Disease Surveillance | Lead efforts to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks, identifying unusual patterns and coordinating responses, investigations, and control measures with healthcare professionals and authorities. |
3. Managerial Functions for Efficient Functioning of HWCs
Beyond clinical and public health responsibilities in a Duties of a CHO, you will also manage the operational aspects of the Health and Wellness Centre to ensure it runs smoothly and effectively.| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Service Delivery Monitoring | Maintain accurate records of services provided (outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, treatments) and update health information systems like HMIS, RCH, and NIKSHAY. |
| B. Inventory Management | Monitor stock levels, order supplies, manage medicines and medical equipment, and ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of the health facility. |
| C. Utilization of Funds | Manage the untied fund for operational needs, ensure efficient and transparent use, and maintain records for auditing and financial compliance. |
| D. Supportive Supervision | Lead the HWC team, provide guidance to healthcare workers, organize meetings to assess services, and ensure effective implementation of health promotion and disease prevention programs. |
