The statewide agitation by government doctors in Odisha entered its third day on Friday, with medical services continuing to be affected across the state. Despite the Odisha government’s warning of salary suspension, members of the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) have continued their protest, pressing for the fulfillment of their 10-point charter of demands.
The prolonged strike has disrupted patient care at several government healthcare facilities, raising concerns over the availability of essential medical services.
Taking a firm stand, the Health and Family Welfare Department has directed all Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM&PHOs), principals of government medical colleges, and hospital superintendents to ensure that doctors resume duty immediately. The department has warned that salaries of doctors who continue to remain absent from work during the agitation will be withheld.
The government had initially appealed to the protesting doctors to withdraw the strike and participate in discussions to resolve the issues amicably. However, following the continuation of the protest, the Health Department issued formal instructions regarding salary suspension for those refusing to report for duty.
According to the government, senior officials, including the Health Minister, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health Department, and the Director of Health Services, had held detailed discussions with OMSA representatives before the strike began. The department said several rounds of dialogue had taken place in an effort to address the doctors’ concerns.
The government also pointed out that it has already accepted and implemented several long-pending demands of government doctors. These include cadre restructuring, Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), special incentives, place-based incentives, and various measures to facilitate higher education and career advancement for medical professionals.
In an official statement, the Health Department reiterated that the state government remains sensitive to the legitimate demands of doctors and is willing to hold constructive discussions. However, it stressed that ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and safeguarding patients’ interests remain its highest priority.
The government has urged the protesting doctors to return to work immediately, assuring them that discussions on their remaining demands can continue after normal medical services are restored.
Appealing to the medical fraternity, the government invoked the principle of “Service is the highest duty”, urging doctors to withdraw the agitation and resume patient care. It also cautioned that if the strike continues to disrupt healthcare services and adversely affects patients, the government will be compelled to take further necessary administrative action.