Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) on Sunday issued a stern warning to the state government, threatening a mass resignation and work boycott if their seven-point charter of demands is not fulfilled within a month.
The announcement was made following OMSA’s general body meeting held in Bhubaneswar, which witnessed the participation of doctors from across all districts of Odisha. The meeting was chaired by OMSA State President Dr. Kishore Chandra Mishra.
According to an official press release, OMSA’s primary demand is the immediate implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme, which has already been adopted in at least 18 other states.
Doctors also called for the reconstitution of the medical cadre, which has reportedly been pending for the past seven years.
Other demands include:
- Extension of DACP and incentives to dentists in the state
- Consideration of the contractual period of adhoc doctors under DACP
- Transparent transfer policies for medical officers
- Health insurance coverage for all government doctors
- Authorization for the Director of Health Services to issue appraisal reports
Dr. Mishra expressed disappointment over the government’s inaction despite assurances made by the Chief Minister and Health Minister during a medical conference held in Balasore on September 18, 2024.
“Our long-standing demands have not been addressed, despite assurances given by the Chief Minister and Health Minister of Odisha during a conference in Balasore on September 18, 2024. At that time, both had promised to fulfill our genuine and pending demands. Unfortunately, after six months, it appears that the government is not listening to us or addressing our grievances,” said Dr. Mishra during a press conference.
He added, “In today’s crucial general body meeting, attended by representatives from every cadre and distant regions like Malkangiri, Koraput, and Phulbani, we have unanimously decided on a phased protest. If our demands are not fulfilled within a month, we will begin by boycotting outpatient services (OPD) on Sundays and holidays. Only emergency services will be provided on those days.”
“If there is no response from the government, we will intensify our protest. From May 20, we will continue this approach for a month, and if the situation remains unchanged, we plan to submit mass resignations starting June 20. We believe we are giving the government sufficient time to act in the interest of public healthcare,” Dr. Mishra concluded.
