Community health centre organization and functions

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SMCH/HCDS/12: Community Health Centre: Organization and Functions
Quadrant-I
Personal Details
Role Name Affiliation
Principal Investigator Prof. CP Mishra Department of Community Medicine,
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras
Hindu University, Varanasi
Paper Coordinator Prof. Najam Khalique Department of Community Medicine,
J N Medical College, AMU, Aligarh
Content Writer Prof. Najam Khalique Department of Community Medicine,
Content Reviewer
Dr. Anees Ahmad Associate Professor
Department of Community Medicine,
Description of Module
Items Description of Module
Subject name Social Medicine & Community Health
Paper name Health Care Delivery System
Module name/Title Community Health Centre: Organization and Functions
Module Id SMCH/HCDS/12
Pre-requisites Understanding of organization of community
Objectives To know about organization and functioning of community health centres.
Keywords Community Health Centre, Indoor services, diagnostic services at CHC

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Introduction
Health care delivery in India has been envisaged at three levels namely primary, secondary and tertiary.
The secondary level of health care essentially includes Community Health Centers (CHCs), constituting
the First Referral Units (FRUs) and the Sub-district and District Hospitals. The CHCs were designed to
provide referral health care for cases from the Primary Health Centers level and for cases in need of
specialist care approaching the center directly. 4 PHCs are included under each CHC thus catering to
approximately 80,000 populations in tribal/hilly/desert areas and 1,20,000 population for plain areas.
CHC is a 30-bedded hospital providing specialist care in Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery,
Pediatrics, Dental and AYUSH. These canters are however fulfilling the tasks entrusted to them only to a
limited extent.
The launch of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) gives us the opportunity to have a fresh
look at their functioning. NRHM envisages bringing up the CHC services to the level of Indian Public
Health Standards. Although there are already existing standards as prescribed by the Bureau of Indian
Standards for 30-bedded hospital, these are at present not achievable as they are very resource intensive.
Under the NRHM, the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is being envisaged in each village to
promote the health activities. With ASHA in place, there is bound to be a groundswell of demands for
health services and the system needs to be geared to face the challenge. Not only does the system require
up-gradation to handle higher patient load, but emphasis also needs to be given to quality aspects to
increase the level of patient satisfaction. In order to ensure quality of services, the Indian Public Health
Standards (IPHS) are being set up for CHCs so as to provide a yardstick to measure the services being
provided there. This document provide the essential requirements for a Minimum Functional Grade of a
Community Health Centre and the desirable requirements needed for an ideal situation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion this module, the reader should be able to:
 Enumerate objectives of IPHS for CHC.
 Enumerate Service Delivery at CHC
 Mention man power requirement of CHC
Main Text
1. Objectives of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for CHCs
 To provide optimal expert care to the community.
 To achieve and maintain an acceptable standard of quality of care.
 To ensure that services at CHC are commensurate with universal best practices and are
responsive and sensitive to the client needs/expectations.
2. Service Delivery in CHCs
 OPD Services and IPD Services: General, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Paediatrics, Dental and AYUSH services.
 Eye Specialist services (at one for every 5 CHCs).
 Emergency Services
 Laboratory Services
 National Health Programmes

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Every CHC has to provide the following services which have been indicated as essential and desirable.
All States/UTs must ensure the availability of all essential services and aspire to achieve desirable
services which are the ideal that should be available.
2.1. Care of Routine and Emergency Cases in Surgery
Essential
 This includes dressings, incision and drainage, and surgery for Hernia, Hydrocele,
 Appendicitis, Haemorrhoids, Fistula, and stitching of injuries.
 Handling of emergencies like intestinal
 Obstruction, Haemorrhage, etc.
 Other management including nasal packing, tracheostomy, foreign body removal etc.
 Fracture reduction and putting splints/plaster cast.
 Conducting daily OPD.
2.2. Care of Routine and Emergency Cases in Medicine
Essential
 Specific mention is being made of handling of all emergencies like Dengue Haemorrhagic
 Fever, Cerebral Malaria and others like Dog and snake bite cases, Poisonings, Congestive Heart
Failure, Left Ventricular Failure, Pneumonias, meningoencephalitis, acute respiratory conditions,
status epilepticus, Burns, Shock, acute dehydration etc.
 In case of National Health Programmes, appropriate guidelines are already available, which
should be followed.
 Conducting daily OPD.
2.3. Maternal Health
Essential
 Minimum 4 ANC check ups including Registration & associated services :As some antenatal
cases may directly register with CHC, the suggested schedule of antenatal visits is reproduced
below.
1st visit: Within 12 weeks—preferably as soon as pregnancy is suspected—for registration of
pregnancy and first antenatal check-up.
2nd visit: Between 14 and 26 weeks
3rd visit: Between 28 and 34 weeks
4th visit: Between 36 weeks and term
 24-hour delivery services including normal and assisted deliveries.
 Managing labour using Partograph.
 All referred cases of complications in pregnancy, labour and post-natal period must be adequately
treated.
 Ensure post-natal care for 0 and 3rd day at the health facility both for the mother and newborn
and sending direction to the ANM of the concerned area for ensuring 7th and 42nd day post-natal
home visits.
 Minimum 48 hours of stay after delivery, 3-7 days stay post delivery for managing complications.
 Proficiency in identification and management of all complications including PPH, Eclampsia,
Sepsis etc. during PNC.
 Essential and Emergency Obstetric Care including surgical interventions like Caesarean
sections and other medical interventions.
 Provisions of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) as
per guidelines.
2.4. Newborn Care and Child Health

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Essential
 Essential Newborn Care and Resuscitation by providing Newborn Corner in the Labour Room
and Operation Theatre (where caessarian takes place). Details of Newborn Corner given at
Annexure 1A.
 Early initiation of breast feeding with in one hour of birth and promotion of exclusive breast-
feeding for 6 months.
 Newborn Stabilization Unit (Details given at Annexure 1B).
 Counseling on Infant and young child feeding as per IYCF guidelines.
 Routine and emergency care of sick children including Facility based IMNCI strategy.
 Full Immunization of infants and children against Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vitamin-A
prophylaxis as per guidelines Of Govt. of India. Tracking of vaccination drop outs and left outs.
 Prevention and management of routine childhood diseases, infections and anemia etc.
 Management of Malnutrition cases.
 Provisions of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) as per guidelines.
2.5. Family Planning
Essential
 Full range of family planning services including IEC, counseling, provision of Contraceptives,
Non Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV), Laparoscopic Sterilization Services and their follow up.
 Safe Abortion Services as per MTP act and
 Abortion care gui
 delines of MOHFW.
Desirable
 MTP Facility approved for 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
2.6. Other National Health Programs (NHP): (Essential except as indicated)
 All NHPsshould be delivered through the CHCs. Integration with the existing programmes is vital
to provide comprehensive services. The requirements for the important NHPs are being annexed
as separate guidelines and following are the assured services under each NHP.
2.7. Communicable Diseases Programs
2.7.1. RNTCP: CHC should provide diagnostic services through the microscopy centreswhich are
already established in the CHCs and treatment services as per the Technical and Operational Guidelines
for Tuberculosis Control (Annexure 2).
2.7.2. HIV/AIDS Control Programme: The services to be provided at the CHC level are (Annexure 3).
o Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre.
o Blood Storage Centre.
o Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic
Desirable
o Link Anti Retroviral Therapy Centre.
2.7.3. National Vector Borne Disease Control Program :The CHCs are to provide diagnostic/linkages
to diagnosis and treatment facilities for routine and complicated cases of Malaria, Filaria, Dengue,
Japanese Encephalitis and Kala-azar in the respective endemic zones (Annexure 4).
2.7.4. National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP): The minimum services that are to be available
at the CHCs are for diagnosis and treatment of cases and complications including reactions of leprosy

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along with counselling of patients on prevention of deformity and cases of uncomplicated ulcers
(Annexure 5).
2.8. National Program for Control of Blindness: The eye care services that should be made available at
the CHC are as given below.
Essential
 Vision Testing with Vision drum/Vision Charts.
 Refraction
 The early detection of visual impairment and their referral.
 Awareness generation through appropriate IEC strategies and involving community for primary
prevention and early detection of impaired vision and other eye conditions.
Desirable
 Intraocular pressure measurement by Tonometers.
 Syringing and probing.
 The provision for removal of Foreign Body.
 Provision of Basic services for Diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases.
 Surgical services including cataract by IOL implantation.
One ophthalmologist is being envisaged for every 5 lakh population i.e. one ophthalmologist will cater to
5 CHCs.(Annexure 6).
2.9. Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP):CHC will function as peripheral surveillance unit
and collate, analyse and report information to District Surveillance Unit on selected epidemic prone
diseases. In outbreak situations, appropriate action will be initiated (Annexure 7).
2.10. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD):
CHC will provide following services:
 The early detection of cases of hearing impairment and deafness and referral.
 Provision of basic diagnosis and treatment services for common ear diseases.
 Awareness generation through appropriate IEC strategies and greater participation/ role of
community in primary prevention and early detection of hearing impairment/deafness.
2.11. National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
Essential
 Early identification, Diagnosis and treatment of common mental disorders (anxiety, depression,
psychosis, schizophrenia, Manic Depressive Psychosis).
 IEC activities for prevention, removal of stigma and early detection of mental disorders.
 Follow up care of detected cases who are on treatment.
Desirable
 With short term training the medical officers would be trained to deliver basic mental health care
using limited number of drugs and to provide referral service. This would result in early
identification and treatment of common mental illnesses in the community.
2.12. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular
Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) Cancer Control
Essential
 Facilities for early detection and referral of suspected cancer cases.
 Screening for Cervical, Breast and Oral Cancers.
 Education about Breast Self Examination and Oral Self Examination.

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 PAP smear for Cancer Cervix
Desirable
 Basic equipment (Magna Visualiser, Indirect Laryngoscope, Punch biopsy forceps) and
consumables for early detection of common cancers.
 Public private partnership for laboratory investigations [biochemical, pathological (including
biopsy), microbiological, tumor markers, mammography etc. which are related to cancer
diagnosis].
 Investigations to confirm diagnosis of cancer in patients with early warning signals through
 Public Private Partnership mode.
Diabetes, CVD and Strokes
Essential
Promotion and Prevention:
Health Promotion:
 Focus will be on healthy population.
 Modify individual, group and community behaviour through intervention like
promotion of Healthy Dietary Habits, promotion of physical activity.
 Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Stress Management.
Treatment and Timely Referral (Complicated cases) of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, IHD,
CHF etc.
Assured investigations: Urine Albumin and Sugar, Blood Sugar, Blood Lipid Profile, KFT (Blood
urea, creatinine) ECG.
Desirable
Early detection
 Survey of population through simple measures like history taking of symptoms,
measuring blood pressure, checking for sugar in urine and blood etc. and their
segregation into normal, vulnerable, high risk and those suffering from disease.
2.13. National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)
IEC activities in the form of posters, pamphlets, interpersonal communication to promote the
consumption of iodised salt by the people and monitoring of iodised salt through salt testing kits.
2.14. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF)
Essential in Fluorosis affected Villages
 Clinical examination and preliminary diagnostic parameters assessment for cases of Fluorosis if
facilities are available.
 Monitoring of village/community level Fluorosis surveillance and IEC activities.
 Referral Services. IEC activities in the form of posters, pamphlets, Interpersonal communication
to prevent Fluorosis.
2.15. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)
Essential
 Health education and IEC activities regarding harmful effects of tobacco use and second hand
smoke.
 Promoting quitting of tobacco in the community and offering brief advice to all smokers and
tobacco users.
 Making the premises of CHC tobacco free and display of mandatory sign ages.
Desirable
 Setting up a Tobacco cessation clinic, by training the counselor in tobacco cessation

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2.16. National Programme for Health Care of Elderly
Desirable
 Medical rehabilitation services.
 Compilation of elderly data from PHC and forwarding the same to district nodal officers.
 Visits to the homes of disabled/bed ridden persons by rehabilitation worker on receiving
information from PHC/Sub-centre.
Geriatric Clinic: twice a week.
2.17. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR)
Essential
 Primary prevention of disabilities.
 Screening, early identification and detection and counseling.
 Issue of Disability Certificate for obvious Disabilities by CHC doctors.
 Community based Rehabilitation Services.
Desirable
 Basic treatments like exercise and heat therapy, ROM exercises, cervical and Lumbar Traction,
referral to higher centers and follow up.
2.18. Oral Health
Essential
 Dental care and dental health education services as well as root canal treatment and
filling/extraction of routine and emergency cases.
 Oral Health education in collaboration with other activities e.g. nutritional education, school
health and adolescent health.
2.19. Other Services
2.19.1.School Health:
 Teachers screen students on a continuous basis and ANMs/HWMs (a team of 2 workers) visit the
schools (one school every week) for screening, treatment of minor ailments and referral. Doctor
from CHC/PHC will also visit one school per week based on the screening reports submitted by
the teams. Overall services to be provided under school health shall include
Essential
Health service provision:
Screening, health care and referral:
 Screening of general health, assessment of Anaemia/Nutritional status, visual acuity, hearing
problems, dental check up, common skin conditions, heart defects, physical disabilities, learning
disorders, behavior problems, etc.
 Basic medicines to take care of common ailments, prevalent among young school going children.
 Referral Cards for priority services at District/Sub-District hospitals.
Immunization:
 As per national schedule
 Fixed day activity
 Coupled with education about the issue
Micronutrient (Vitamin A and IFA) management:
 Weekly supervised distribution of Iron-Folate tablets coupled with education about the issue
 Administration of Vitamin-A in needy cases.
De-worming
 Biannually supervised schedule

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 Prior IEC
 Siblings of students also to be covered
Capacity building
Monitoring and Evaluation
Mid Day Meal
Desirable
Health Promoting Schools
 Counseling services
 Regular practice of Yoga, Physical education, health education
 Peer leaders as health educators.
 Adolescent health education-existing in few places
 Linkages with the out of school children
 Health clubs, Health cabinets
 First Aid room/corners or clinics.
2.19.2.Adolescent Health Care
To be provided preferably through adolescent friendly clinic for 2 hours once a week on a fixed day.
Services should be comprehensive i.e. a judicious mix of promotive, preventive, curative and referral
services
Core package (Essential)
 Adolescent and Reproductive Health
 Information, counseling and services related to sexual concerns, pregnancy, contraception,
abortion, menstrual problems etc.
 Services for tetanus immunization of adolescents
 Nutritional Counseling, Prevention and management of nutritional anemia STI/RTI management
 Referral Services for VCTC and PPTCT services and services for Safe termination of pregnancy,
if not available at PHC
Optional/additional services (desirable): as per local need
Outreach services in schools (essential) and community Camps (desirable)
 Periodic Health check ups and health education activities, awareness generation and Co-curricular
activities
2.19.3.Blood Storage Facility
2.19.4.Diagnostic Services
 In addition to the lab facilities and X-ray, ECG should be made available in the CHC with
appropriate training to a nursing staff/Lab. Technician.
 All necessary reagents, glass ware and facilities for collecting and transport of samples should be
made available.
2.19.5. Referral (transport) Services
3.Manpower for community health centers
3.1.The existing staff
Existing clinical manpower
General surgeon 1
Physician 1
Obstetrician/gynaecologist 1

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Pediatrician 1
Existing support manpower
Nurse-midwife* 7+2
Dresser(certified by Red Cross/St. John’s
ambulance)
1
Pharmacist/compounder 1
Lab. Technician 1
Radiographer 1
Ophthalmic assistant** 0-1
Ward boy/ nursing orderly 2
Sweepers 3
Chowkidar
5***
OPD attendant
Statistical assistant / Data entry operator
OT attendant
Registration clerk
Total essential 21-22 + 2
(K. Park 23RD
EDITION)
* 1 ANM and 1 PHN for family welfare will be appointed under the ASHA scheme
** Ophthalmic assistant may be placed wherever it does not exist through redeployment or contact
basis.
***Flexibility may rest with the state for recruitment of personnel as per requirements.
3.2. Revised IPHS staff pattern.
In order to provide round the clock clinical services, the revised IPHS staff pattern is as follows
Personnel Strength Desirable qualifications
Block health officer - Senior most specialists among
the below mentioned speciality
(Physician/General
surgeon/paed./Obs&gyne/
anaesthesia/Public
Health/ophthalmology)
General surgeon 1 MS/DNB (General Surgery)
Physician 1 MD/DNB (General Medicine)
Obstetrician / gynaecologist 1 MD/DNB/DGO (OBG)
Pediatrician 1 MD/DNB/DCH
Anaesthetist 1 MD( Anaesthesia
)/DNB/DA/Certificate course in
Anaesthesia for one year
Public health manager 1 MD (PSM)/MD(CHA)/MD
Community Medicine or Post
Graduation Degree with MBA
Eye surgeon 1(1 for every 5 CHCs) MD/MS/DOMS/DNB
Dental surgeon 1 BDS
General Duty medical officer 6( at least 2 female doctors) MBBS
Specialist of AYUSH 1 Post Graduate in AYUSH
General duty medical officer of 1 Graduate in AYUSH

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AYUSH
TOTAL 15/16
SUPPORT MANPOWER:
PERSONNEL STRENGTH
Staff nurse 19*
Public health nurse 1*
ANM 1*
Pharmacist/ Compounder 3
Pharmacist-AYUSH 1
Lab- Technician 3
Radiographer 2
Ophthalmic Assistant 1
Dresser (Cert. by Red Cross/ St. John Ambulance) 2
Ward Boys/ Nursing Orderly 5
Sweepers 5
Chowkidar 5
Dhobi 1
Mali 1
Aya 5
Peon 2
OPD Attendant 1
Registration clerk 2
Statistical Assistant/Data Entry Operator 2
Accountant/Admin. Assistant 1
OT Technician 1
Total 64
(K. Park 23rd
edition)
* will be appointed under ASHA scheme
** for providing round the clock service at OT, labour room, casualty,male ward and female ward along
with provision of leave reserve.
Summary
The CHC caters to a population of 80,000- 1,20,000. Four medical officers are appointed at CHC. It also
acts as a referral centre for PHC/ SC. More advanced treatment options are available such as caesarean
section, MTP, blood bank, other surgical procedures etc. along with the basic services available at PHC/
SC.
References:
1. health.bih.nic.in/docs/.../guidelines-community-health-centres.pdf
2. K. Park text book of preventive and social medicine 23rd
edition.

Community health centre organization and functions

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