Doctors' strike at Odisha Government Hospitals enters second day, health services hit

Healthcare services across Odisha continued to face disruptions on Thursday as the indefinite strike by government doctors entered its second day. The agitation, led by the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), has affected outpatient departments (OPDs) and routine medical services at several state-run hospitals, particularly in district and rural areas.

The protesting doctors are demanding cadre restructuring, transparency in the transfer policy, implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme on the lines of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), insurance benefits, incentives, and a revised policy for doctors serving in the KBK region.

They launched the indefinite cease-work agitation on National Doctors' Day, stating that repeated representations to the state government had not yielded results.

As the strike continued, long queues were reported outside government hospitals in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jajpur, with many patients returning without treatment. However, contractual doctors and emergency services continued to function at several healthcare facilities to minimise inconvenience.

The Odisha government has appealed to the protesting doctors to resume work while discussions over their demands continue.