What are the essential functions of government hospitals ?

There are government hospitals in most districts and towns that look after the health of the people of the area. These offer medical facilities at a low cost so that people from all walks of life can afford them. The government hospitals come under the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the area. They are headed by the District Medical Officer (DMO). There are many Health Officers who work in the hospitals. They are all qualified doctors from different streams of medicine. Other people who work at these hospitals are the administrative staff who look after the efficient running of the hospital and nursing staff who assist the doctors.

There are many services provided by these hospitals. Some of them are:

1. Diagnosing and treating diseases.

2. Surgery for patients requiring an operation.

3. Medicines from government dispensaries.

4. Immunisation for children against many preventable diseases.

5. Family planning and maternity care through special departments.

6. Emergency care to victims of accidents and disasters.