Odisha govt doctors launch indefinite strike over 10 demands
Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of National Doctors' Day, government doctors under the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) launched an indefinite statewide strike, demanding the implementation of their 10-point charter of demands.
As part of the strike, doctors staged protests at the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), outside the CDMO office at Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, and at several other locations across the state. The strike severely affected healthcare services.
The agitation was called after doctors expressed frustration over the government's alleged failure to fulfil their demands despite repeated assurances over the past 18 months. They said they would no longer accept verbal promises and wanted written assurances from the government.
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OMSA said it had no option but to proceed with the strike after late-night talks with the government on Tuesday ended with only verbal assurances, which the association said it could no longer trust.
The main demand of OMSA is the quick implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) system, which ensures timely promotions for government doctors. Following this, the doctors demand a KBK exit policy, transparent transfer procedures, cadre restructuring, regular DPCs, safety and security of healthcare professionals, health insurance, and basic amenities.
The association has also demanded PAR reforms, clean administration, uniform OPD and emergency services, and involvement of OMSA in consultations on policy matters. In addition, Capital Hospital, revising allowances, regularising ad-hoc doctors, strengthening institutions, and justice for veterans are among the other major issues raised by the doctors.
The association has urged all government doctors, including Odisha Medical and Health Services doctors, Odisha Medical Service dental surgeons, contractual medical officers, doctors deputed to medical colleges, and postgraduate students, to participate in the agitation.
As per Odisha Bytes media report, OMSA President Dr Kishore Mishra and General Secretary Dr Sanjeeb Pradhan criticised the government-appointed committee for failing to convene meetings to resolve the pending issues. They warned that any action against the striking doctors would lead to protests outside district SP offices and police stations, and threatened to intensify the agitation through a jail bharo movement.
Meanwhile, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) of SCB Medical College and Hospital extended support to the strike. Junior doctors decided to wear black badges while performing duties and urged the government to act swiftly. They cautioned that they would intensify their protest if demands remain unmet, reports Pragativadi.
Speaking to IANS, Dr Sanjeeb Kumar Pradhan, General Secretary, OMSA, Odisha said, '"We had already submitted our 10-point demand two years ago. In January, they told us that they will do it in two to three months. But six months have passed and no demand has been filled up. That's why we are closing all services today. Till the demand is fulfilled, we will sit here in the CDMO office. All over Odisha..."
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