Odisha Doctors Escalate Protest: Two-Hour OPD Shutdown Hits Patients
Government doctors across Odisha intensified their ongoing agitation on Monday by extending the daily boycott of outpatient department (OPD) services from one hour to two hours.
The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) announced the move, citing frustration over the state government’s failure to address their 10-point charter of demands.
Starting January 5, OPD services in primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and district headquarters hospitals (DHHs) will remain closed from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Emergency services, inpatient care, and critical procedures continue without disruption.
The protest, which began on December 26, 2025, with a symbolic one-hour OPD closure, has now escalated as doctors push for urgent reforms.
Their demands include implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) for pay parity with central government doctors, timely promotions, cadre restructuring, annual increments, better insurance coverage, improved security measures, filling vacant posts, and strengthening rural health infrastructure.
On the first day of the extended protest, patients faced long queues outside hospitals as routine consultations halted during peak hours.
Elderly patients and those from rural areas expressed frustration, though many acknowledged the legitimacy of the doctors’ grievances.
The Odisha government has formed an inter-departmental committee led by an additional chief secretary to review the demands.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that discussions are underway, but admitted no timeline has been set for resolution.
OMSA leaders described the action as a “peaceful and responsible protest,” emphasising that the strike is aimed at securing long-term improvements in the state’s healthcare system.
