Bhubaneswar: Government Doctors Threaten Mass Resignation
OMSA’s Announcement of OPD Service Suspension
Members of the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) have issued a strong warning regarding their demands, stating, “If the state government fails to accept our demands, we will be forced to go for mass resignation.” The association plans to halt outpatient department (OPD) services for a minimum of one hour and suspend activities related to the National Health Mission (NHM) starting December 26, 2025. They intend to escalate their actions to a full strike in January 2026.
Longstanding Unmet Demands
The association highlights that government doctors have been waiting for over a decade for their demands to be addressed, yet they report a lack of significant action from the government. In protest against what they consider false assurances, doctors will temporarily suspend OPD services. They have indicated that they may further intensify their agitation in the near future, including the possibility of mass resignations.
Planned Statewide Strike
According to Medic Helpline, OMSA has warned of a statewide strike starting in January 2026 if their longstanding demands are not met by the end of December. The association has stated that if the government continues to disregard their concerns, doctors will cease attending OPDs and completely halt their work.
Main Demands of OMSA
The primary demand from OMSA is the prompt implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) system, which aims to ensure timely promotions for government doctors. Additionally, the association seeks a KBK exit policy, transparent transfer procedures, cadre restructuring, regular Departmental Promotions Committees (DPCs), enhanced safety and security for healthcare professionals, health insurance, and basic amenities.
Additional Issues Raised
Other significant issues raised by the doctors include the need for PAR reforms, clean administration, standardized OPD and emergency services, and the active involvement of OMSA in policy consultations. They also call for revisions of allowances, regularization of ad-hoc doctors, institutional strengthening, and justice for veteran healthcare professionals.
Dissatisfaction with Treatment of Doctors
The association has expressed discontent with the treatment of doctors despite their extensive education, experience, and dedication to serving patients in government hospitals.
Statements from OMSA Leadership
Dr. Kishore Chandra Misra, OMSA State President, remarked, “The government is biased against doctors and treats us as inferior compared to political leaders, engineers, and even high school teachers. There are no promotions, no cadre restructuring, and no career progression for doctors. We should not be treated like second-class employees.” He further noted that while the government secures treatment in corporate hospitals with taxpayer funds, it shows minimal concern for the doctors serving the state’s population.
Dr. Misra added, “For the past 15 years, we have been demanding the implementation of DACP, but the government has failed to fulfill this long-standing request. We are repeatedly told that the matter is ‘under consideration.’ But how long should doctors wait? If the government continues to ignore us, we will be compelled to intensify our protest, including mass resignations.”