Government doctors in Odisha began an indefinite strike on Wednesday under the banner of the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), demanding fulfilment of their 10-point charter.
Health services across the state faced disruption as doctors suspended duties and staged demonstrations outside hospitals in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other districts.
OMSA leaders stated that the strike decision followed the government’s failure to address their demands over the past 18 months. The association had earlier announced the strike would begin on July 1, coinciding with Doctors’ Day. Despite last-minute talks with OMSA representatives, doctors rejected the government’s assurances and reaffirmed their protest during an emergency meeting late Tuesday night.
OMSA President Dr Kishore Mishra and General Secretary Dr Sanjeeb Pradhan criticised the government-appointed committee for failing to convene meetings to resolve grievances. They warned that any action against striking doctors would trigger demonstrations outside district SP offices and police stations. The association also threatened to escalate 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.
The indefinite strike has already impacted patient care across Odisha, raising concerns about the state’s ability to manage healthcare services during the agitation. OMSA emphasised that the strike will continue until the government takes concrete steps to resolve their issues.
