OMSA Strike / Odisha Doctors Call Off Strike After Govt Assurance, Services To Resume Tomorrow
·2 months ago·3 min read
Key Points
- Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) called off its strike after assurances from the state Health Minister.
- The government had earlier invoked the Odisha Essential Services Maintenance Act for six months to curb disruptions.
- Over 6,000 doctors had protested demanding Central pay structure, DACP scheme, and improved service conditions.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Doctors affiliated with the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) have called off their strike on Thursday following assurances from the state Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, paving the way for the restoration of normal healthcare services across Odisha from Friday.
The decision to withdraw the agitation came a day after the Odisha government invoked the Odisha Essential Services Maintenance Act (OESMA) for six months to curb disruptions in essential health services. Officials said medical services across government hospitals are expected to function normally from January 9.
OESMA Invoked Amid Service Disruptions
Earlier, on January 6, the Odisha government brought all health sector employees under the ambit of OESMA in response to the doctors’ protest, which had affected patient care across the state.
The Home Department issued directives mandating compliance by doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff. The Act prohibits strikes and work stoppages in essential services, including healthcare.
Officials stressed that healthcare services fall under emergency services and that disruptions pose a serious risk to public welfare. The strike had led to delays in treatment and affected emergency services at several hospitals.
Why Doctors Went on Strike
Hundreds of government doctors across Odisha had boycotted outpatient department (OPD) services for two hours on January 5, demanding implementation of the Central pay structure and the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.
OMSA president Kishore Chandra Mishra said doctors in nearly 20 states were already receiving salaries under the Central pay structure, while Odisha continued to delay similar implementation.
He warned that continued inaction could worsen the situation, as doctors were increasingly leaving government service for the private sector due to dissatisfaction with pay and service conditions.
Scale of the Protest
More than 6,000 doctors from 32 district headquarters hospitals, 300 community health centres and several primary health centres had participated in the strike.
OMSA had earlier stated that its Central Executive Committee would meet on January 15 to review the government’s response to its demands.
Key Demands of OMSA
The association has submitted a detailed charter of demands, including implementation of DACP from the date of eligibility without preconditions, abolition of Level 15 for doctors, and proportionate cadre restructuring.
Other demands include incentives for specialists and super-specialists, parity in performance-based incentives, extension of benefits to dental cadres, and improvements in workplace safety.
Also Read: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Lashes Out at ED Raids on I-PAC Offices
OMSA has also sought regular recruitment through the Odisha Public Service Commission, timely promotions, improved security at health institutions, and comprehensive health insurance for healthcare personnel.
The decision to withdraw the agitation came a day after the Odisha government invoked the Odisha Essential Services Maintenance Act (OESMA) for six months to curb disruptions in essential health services. Officials said medical services across government hospitals are expected to function normally from January 9.
OESMA Invoked Amid Service Disruptions
Earlier, on January 6, the Odisha government brought all health sector employees under the ambit of OESMA in response to the doctors’ protest, which had affected patient care across the state.
The Home Department issued directives mandating compliance by doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff. The Act prohibits strikes and work stoppages in essential services, including healthcare.
Officials stressed that healthcare services fall under emergency services and that disruptions pose a serious risk to public welfare. The strike had led to delays in treatment and affected emergency services at several hospitals.
Why Doctors Went on Strike
Hundreds of government doctors across Odisha had boycotted outpatient department (OPD) services for two hours on January 5, demanding implementation of the Central pay structure and the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.
OMSA president Kishore Chandra Mishra said doctors in nearly 20 states were already receiving salaries under the Central pay structure, while Odisha continued to delay similar implementation.
He warned that continued inaction could worsen the situation, as doctors were increasingly leaving government service for the private sector due to dissatisfaction with pay and service conditions.
Scale of the Protest
More than 6,000 doctors from 32 district headquarters hospitals, 300 community health centres and several primary health centres had participated in the strike.
OMSA had earlier stated that its Central Executive Committee would meet on January 15 to review the government’s response to its demands.
Key Demands of OMSA
The association has submitted a detailed charter of demands, including implementation of DACP from the date of eligibility without preconditions, abolition of Level 15 for doctors, and proportionate cadre restructuring.
Other demands include incentives for specialists and super-specialists, parity in performance-based incentives, extension of benefits to dental cadres, and improvements in workplace safety.
Also Read: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Lashes Out at ED Raids on I-PAC Offices
OMSA has also sought regular recruitment through the Odisha Public Service Commission, timely promotions, improved security at health institutions, and comprehensive health insurance for healthcare personnel.
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