Hospital Management Committee
Hospital Management Committee
The Hospital Management Committee (HMC) is a crucial body dedicated to facilitating the day-to-day operations and improving the physical infrastructure of government hospitals—specifically Family Health Centres (FHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs)—located within the Grama Panchayat's jurisdiction.
The HMC possesses extensive powers to ensure public participation in the health sector and to make prompt decisions regarding the urgent needs of the hospitals.
1. Structure of the HMC
The HMC is constituted at the Panchayat level with broad-based participation:
Chairperson: Grama Panchayat President.
Secretary & Convener: Medical Officer of the hospital.
Members:
Chairperson of the Health and Education Standing Committee (Vice-Chairperson). Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee – Member
Gram Panchayat member representing the ward where the hospital is located – Member
Two elected representatives designated by the Local Self-Government Institution (one must be a woman)
Panchayat Secretary – Member
CDS Member Secretary – Member
CDS Society President
Block and District Panchayat members representing the Gram Panchayat area – Member
Representatives of various political parties/public representatives – Member
Health Inspector (HI/PRO) – Member
Medical Officer, Homoeopathy Dispensary – Member
Medical Officer, Ayurveda Dispensary – Member
Home Care Nurse – Member
Two trained volunteers from the home care team – Member
MLSP Nurses from People's Health Centres (Janakeeya Arogya Kendrams) – Member
2. Key Responsibilities and Powers
Hospital development and maintenance: Ensuring the maintenance of hospital buildings and the provision of patient seating, drinking water, and clean restrooms.
Appointment of temporary staff: The committee is authorized to appoint temporary staff (sweepers, security personnel, temporary nurses, lab technicians) using HMC funds to prevent disruptions in patient care when there is a shortage of regular staff. Laboratory and Pharmacy Oversight: Ensure the proper functioning of hospital laboratories and the availability of adequate medicines. Monitor the effective operation of facilities such as the Karunya Pharmacy.
Fund Management: Revenue generated from OP ticket fees, lab charges, and other contributions is maintained as the HMC fund. The Medical Officer and the Chairman are authorized to utilize these funds to meet the hospital's urgent requirements.
Grievance Redressal: HMC meetings serve as a platform to discuss and resolve public grievances regarding hospital operations or staff conduct.
