Government doctors have decided to launch a State-wide Satyagraha beginning from January 27 for the fulfilment of their various demands.Besides sitting on a dharna at the PMG Square here, the doctors owing allegiance to the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) would also hold Satyagraha at the OMSA branch offices across the State and at the three Government medical colleges, said OMSA sources.
The decision was taken at the OMSA central executive committee meeting held here on Tuesday.The Junior Doctors’ Association, the Students’ Unions of different medical colleges and the House Surgeons’ Association have extended their support to the Satyagraha. Their representatives participated in the meeting.
The OMSA has demanded implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) for doctors serving in the Odisha Health Service cadre, stating that this has already been implemented in other States. The Standing Committee on Health has already recommended its implementation in February 2013, the association pointed out.
The OMSA has also demanded immediate implementation of a transparent transfer policy as promised by the Chief Minister in April 2008 in the State Assembly after holding discussions with the OMSA within two months.
While alleging that nepotism and corruption have become the roots of transfers due to which the young doctors are unwilling to join Government services leading to many health centres running without doctors, the OMSA sources said.
The sources also said OMSA members had on April 18, 2010 tendered their resignations en masse demanding fulfilment of their demands, but the Government had then taken vindictive action by holding payment of salary and launching departmental proceedings against them.
The association had demanded immediate withdrawal of such proceedings to create an atmosphere of faith and trust. Among others, OMSA adviser and former president Dr Madhusudan Mishra, president Dr Chandan Gadnayak and general secretary Kishore Chandra Mishra were present at the Tuesday meeting.