What is the full form of CMO?

Introduction

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is appointed to head the medical department as a medical practitioner to take the charge of the hospital. It is a highly responsible post with great reputation. The doctor has to perform a dual role of doctor and a manager of the administration of private or public hospital.

This post is occupied by a senior doctor who works as a consultant, directs and oversees the medical experts (a group of doctors), and examines public health issues.

Definition of CMO

CMO or Chief Medical Officer is a work description or title for the doctors by definition. He/she is a qualified professional head of all medical staff at a private or public hospital or dispensary. CMO is a He/she has the duty to manage everyday activities of the hospital which includes supervision, management of organization, patient safety to improve the facilities. It is their duty to ensure that medical facilities should remain in compliance with the government’s rules and regulations. They review the healthcare programs of the hospital and introduce new techniques and strategies for the betterment of the functioning of the organization.

Roles and Responsibilities of CMO

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is the in-charge of the Medical Department. The following are the roles and responsibilities of a CMO −

• Overseeing the routine hospital operations

• Ensure high quality medical service and patient satifisfaction

• Mediator between the medical staff and administration

• Review health programs, medical operations and propose ways for improvement.

• Providing adequate training for new medical staff

• Analyze financial and medical reports and estimate budget.

• Implement high-quality and cost-effective medical practices

• Ensuring compliance with the government rules and regulations.

• Appointment for vacant positions, conduct training for new staff and sanction leaves to the subordinate staff.

Qualifications and Skills required for CMO

Since CMO is a well reputed position, it comes with a great responsibility also. To fulfill those requirement, a person should have basic requirements to become eligible for the post of CMO. The person should be both a medical practioner and have leadership/business certificates as he has to take care of his patients along with managing the hospital.

The educational qualification includes a medical degree from a reputed medical college with specialization in one of the fields of medical. He should have a doctorate degree also. He should have an experience of 4-5 years atleast in a private or public hospital. With gaining experience and his performance in the medical field, he can be promoted to the post of Chief Medical Officer.

A CMO should also have a leadership or business certificate. He must possess following skills to lead the hospital as a CMO −

• Communication skills

• Leadership qualities

• Problem-solving skills

• Time management qualities

• Decision making skills

• Management skills

• Motivating skills

CMO in Public Health Sector

CMO is a cadre driven position in public health sector, who is appointed at the District Level. The duties of a CMO under Public Sector are as follows −

• Taking daily round, attending grievances of patient and medical staff and reporting the necessary ones to the Executive Health Officer.

• Perform routine administrative work like granting leave to the staff and making substitution or arrangements according to the delegation of power,

• Supervise and check the work and attendance of the medical staff, such as office Staff, Medical Officer, Para-medical staff, SMO’s and Labour Staff.

• Monitor the inventory whether all equipments, machines, surgical items and medicines are in stock or not.

• Within the purview of delegation of power, he can sign various bills.

• Regulate the funds and their utilization according to the patients need.

• In case of irregularities by subordinate staff, he/she should conduct enquiries.

• Conduct surprise visit to the dispensaries or hospitals, progress meetings and accompany Chairman/Deputy Chairman on inspections.

• Prepare proposal, budget estimates and annual reports of the department.

• Conduct training of new staff and organize various health programs.

Conclusion

As the name suggests, a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is the head of a medical service in a private hospital, dispensaries at local or state level, or in any government hospital at state or national level. He/she is in incharge of the organization and functions on behalf of it. A CMO has a great responsibility to handle the medical staff and give internal support to the institution to improve the medical facilities of the organization provided to the patients.

FAQs

Q1. Whom should a CMO report?

Ans: Chief Medical officer is the officer of the Board who reports to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the organization.

Q2. Who is the duty of Health Officer?

Ans: The Health Officer should ensure that all the employees and medical agencies work within the local or state regulations and follow the public health protocols.

Q3. What is an average salary of a CMO doctor?

Ans: The CMO is a top level medical post. In India, the salary of a CMO ranges from approximately Rs. 1.5 Lakhs to Rs. 40 Lakhs with an estimated average of Rs. 16 lakhs annually.