In a significant protest action, government doctors across Odisha brought outpatient department (OPD) services to a halt for one hour on Friday. The demonstration was organized by the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) to press for a long-pending list of demands.
Statewide Protest Disrupts Patient Services
The work stoppage was observed from 10 am to 11 am, impacting routine consultations at numerous healthcare facilities. Emergency and critical care services, however, continued to function normally during this period. The protest saw participation from an estimated 6,000 doctors serving in institutions ranging from major hospitals like Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and IGH Rourkela to primary health centres in rural areas.
The affected facilities included 30 district headquarters hospitals, 63 sub-divisional hospitals, 377 community health centres, and over 1,300 primary health centres. This widespread action led to considerable inconvenience for patients, many of whom were left waiting.
Patient Ordeal Highlights Protest Impact
Buluram Pradhan, who had brought his father to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, shared his experience. "I waited for an hour with my father as doctors were not attending OPD duties. Later they came for consultation but we were unable to eat in the interim," said Pradhan, a resident of Ganjam district. His account underscores the direct effect of the protest on healthcare delivery for the common public.
Core Demands and an Ultimatum
The doctors are advocating for a 13-point charter of demands. The key issues include:
- Pay parity with central government scales.
- Immediate recruitment of more medical professionals to address staff shortages.
- Complete cadre restructuring.
- Proper implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme without preconditions.
- Transfer policies for doctors serving in the remote KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region for 5-10 years to their home districts.
- Provision of administrative and other allowances.
OMSA has issued a stern warning, stating that if the state government fails to address their grievances, they will launch a full-fledged, indefinite strike starting January 1.
Leadership Voices Firm Stance
Sanjib Kumar Pradhan, the General Secretary of OMSA, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He stated that the government must address their demands earnestly. "We need salary parity with the central government payscale apart from implementing DACP without preconditions, and additional facilities," he said. "If no action is taken, we will escalate our protest," Pradhan added, signaling the potential for more severe disruptions in the new year.
The one-hour symbolic strike serves as a clear warning shot from the medical fraternity in Odisha. With the deadline set for the end of the year, all eyes are now on the state administration to negotiate a solution and avert a major healthcare crisis in January.
