For the third consecutive day, government hospitals across Odisha witnessed disruptions as doctors associated with the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) continued their one-hour symbolic strike in outpatient departments (OPDs). The protest, which began on December 26, is pressing for key demands including pay parity with central government scales and the implementation of a Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.
Widespread Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike action has significantly affected patient care at multiple levels of the state's health infrastructure. The protest was observed at prominent institutions like Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and IGH Rourkela, and extended to 30 district headquarters hospitals, 63 sub-divisional hospitals, 377 community health centres (CHCs), and 1,300 primary health centres (PHCs). During the strike hour from 10 am to 11 am, patients have been forced to wait longer for consultations.
This delay has caused considerable hardship. Chitrasen Behera, a patient at Bhadrak district headquarters hospital, highlighted the plight of those advised to fast for tests. "Normally, an OPD is crowded. Stopping services for an hour causes great suffering to patients and attendants. Those who cannot eat face more difficulty as they wait to give samples," he shared, recounting his own experience.
Echoing this sentiment, Pradyumna Sahu, a patient attendant from Ganjam, described waiting in a queue at Berhampur's City Hospital. "Waiting for an hour was very difficult for both me and the patient. This strike should be stopped," he urged.
Core Demands and Government Response
OMSA General Secretary Sanjib Kumar Pradhan stated that doctors are seeking the fulfilment of a 13-point charter of demands. Key issues include administrative and other allowances, and a transfer policy for doctors who have served in the remote KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region for 5 to 10 years to be posted closer to their home districts.
Pradhan issued a stern warning, stating that a full-fledged strike is set to commence on January 1 if their demands are not met. In response, the state government has moved to address the escalating situation.
Committee Formed to Negotiate
The Odisha government has constituted an inter-departmental committee to examine the various demands put forth by OMSA. This committee operates under the additional chief secretary of the general administration and personnel grievance department.
Its members include the principal secretaries of the finance, law, and health departments, along with the director of health services. A press statement from the health and family welfare department clarified the committee's role: "This committee will discuss various demands of OMSA, consider their different aspects, and submit a report to the government."
The statement further assured that the state government is sensitive to the problems of doctors and is consistently taking positive steps to enhance the effectiveness of public health services. The coming days will be crucial as the committee's deliberations unfold ahead of the threatened indefinite strike.
