Odisha Doctors’ Strike: Crucial Meeting Scheduled to Break Deadlock

Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The ongoing strike by government doctors in Odisha has reached a critical juncture as Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling prepares to meet representatives of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) today at 12:30 PM.

For several days, doctors across the state have suspended OPD services between 9 AM and 11 AM, demanding fulfilment of their 10‑point charter.

Their demands include salary hikes, timely promotions, workplace improvements, and additional benefits.

Patients in government hospitals have faced significant inconvenience due to the disruption, with many forced to seek treatment in private facilities.

Earlier, the state government formed a secretary‑level committee to examine the demands, but OMSA deemed the move inadequate and intensified its agitation.

In response, the government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), prohibiting strikes in the health sector for six months.

Despite this, doctors have continued their protest, insisting on dialogue as the only way forward.

Minister Mahaling has appealed to doctors to withdraw the strike, assuring them that the government is considering their demands seriously.

The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to determine whether the impasse will ease or escalate further.