In a sharp escalation of the ongoing doctors’ agitation, the Odisha government has issued a tough directive cracking down on medical officers of the OMHS cadre who have been boycotting health services across the state since July 1.
The Health & Family Welfare Department, in an official order (No. 18295/H dated July 2, 2026), directed all concerned authorities — including MD NHM, MD OSMCL, Directors, Deans & Principals of government medical colleges, Superintendents, and CDM&PhOs — to immediately withhold the salaries of OMHS cadre doctors who are not performing their assigned duties. The order will remain in force until further instructions from the government.
Contractual doctors who joined the strike and remained absent from duty have been warned of outright termination after serving due notice.
The government’s move comes despite the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 remaining in force through a Home Department order dated January 6, 2026. Officials noted that the boycott not only deprives the general public of critical health services but also constitutes gross misconduct under Rules 3 and 4 of the Orissa Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1959.
Earlier on Thursday evening, the state government had made a last-minute appeal to the striking doctors, urging them to resume duties and engage in constructive dialogue.
Odisha Govt Urges Striking Doctors to End Agitation, Prioritises Uninterrupted Patient Care
Senior officials, including the Health Minister, Secretary, and Director of Health Services, had already held detailed discussions with doctor representatives before the strike began. The government had reiterated its sensitivity to legitimate demands and promised that patient care would remain the top priority.
However, with no resolution in sight and health services continuing to be disrupted in most institutions, the administration has now moved from appeals to firm administrative action.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government, Health & Family Welfare Department, signed the order, which has been marked for immediate implementation across all government health institutions.
The development marks a significant hardening of the government’s stance just two days into the boycott, signalling that the state will not tolerate any further disruption to essential public health services.
