Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services across the state, the Government of Odisha has imposed a six-month ban on strikes by doctors and other health sector employees working in government-run and government-aided medical institutions.
The order, issued by the Home (Special Section) Department on Tuesday, prohibits strikes in the form of cessation of work by doctors, nursing officers, pharmacy officers, paramedics, technicians, Class-III and Class-IV employees, including contractual staff engaged in medical services.
The prohibition applies to all government hospitals and dispensaries across the state, including District Headquarters Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, Area Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Municipality Hospitals. The ban also covers Medical Colleges and Hospitals run by the government and autonomous health institutions receiving grant-in-aid from the state government.
Specialised healthcare institutions such as the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC), the Regional Spinal Injury Centre, Jail Hospitals, and Police Hospitals have also been brought under the purview of the order.
According to the notification, the state government has taken this step after being satisfied that any disruption in medical services would adversely affect public interest and the overall healthcare delivery system in Odisha.
The order has been issued under the provisions of Section 3(1) read with Section 2 of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (Odisha Act 9 of 1992). It will remain in force for a period of six months with effect from the date of issue.
