Over 5000 Odisha doctors give One-month ultimatum to address unmet demands

Bhubaneswar: Frustrated by ongoing discussions with the state government that have not led to any concrete action yet, doctors under the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) have warned the state government that they may cease work and submit mass resignations if their seven-point charter of demands is not fulfilled within a month.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the doctors issued an ultimatum, stating that the state government has failed to address their demands despite numerous rounds of discussions. Frustated by the lack of progress, they warned that if their demands are not addressed, over 5,000 doctors across the state will submit mass resignations by June 20. Still, they will begin boycotting outpatient services on Sundays and holidays starting May 20, excluding emergency duties.

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Their 7-point charter of demands includes- implementing Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) for all government doctors, restructuring the medical cadre which has been stagnant for seven years, extending DACP benefits and incentives to dentists, including the service periods of ad-hoc doctors for promotion eligibility, ensuring transparent transfers, prioritizing the relocation of doctors in the KBK regions, providing health insurance for government doctors, and granting the Director of Health Services the authority to handle appraisals instead of district collectors.

This warning came after a general meeting held by the association in Bhubaneswar. Several doctors across Bhubaneswar attended the meeting and agreed to issue the ultimatum to the government. 

One of their main demands is the quick implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) system. This system helps doctors in government service get timely promotions. OMSA said that 18 other states in India have already put this in place, but Odisha is yet to act.

Addressing mediapersons here, OMSA president Dr Kishore Chandra Misra told TNIE, "Timely DACP is of paramount importance and 18 states have already implemented it except Odisha and a few others. Delays in holding departmental promotion committee meetings and DACP have led to frustration and de-motivation among doctors, causing unnecessary administrative and professional hurdles."

“The state government should strictly follow the guidelines set under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) while ensuring timely promotions and career progression for all doctors and dental surgeons. Ad hoc period of service must be included while awarding DACP,” he added. 

The association further demanded to restructure the OMHS cadre and dental surgeons to create more posts. The lack of a streamlined and progressive cadre restructuring system has led to a stagnation in career progression, job satisfaction, and overall healthcare delivery, it said.

OMSA general secretary Dr Sanjib Kumar Pradhan said, "Despite our selfless service, doctors lack adequate health insurance coverage. We demand a comprehensive health insurance scheme for all OMSA cadre doctors, providing coverage for themselves and their families, in line with the benefits extended to other government employees. This is a basic right that should be given to those who work tirelessly, keeping their own health at stake."

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