In a bold move that could shake up Odisha’s healthcare system, the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the state government. The association has warned of mass resignations and work boycotts if their long-pending demands are not addressed urgently.
This decision was made during a major general body meeting held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, which saw participation from government doctors across the state.
What Are the Doctors Demanding?
Doctors present at the meeting emphasized that their demands revolved around career progression, welfare benefits, and structural reforms in the healthcare system. Here’s a breakdown of their key demands:
1. Implementation of DACP (Dynamic Assured Career Progression)
- DACP ensures timely promotions and regular salary hikes for government doctors.
- While 18 other Indian states have already adopted this scheme, Odisha is yet to implement it.
- OMSA insists that this would reduce frustration and increase retention, especially in rural areas.
2. Medical Cadre Restructuring
- The current medical cadre structure hasn’t been revised in 7 years.
- Doctors argue that without restructuring, career growth remains stagnant, causing dissatisfaction.
3. Inclusion of Dentists in DACP
- OMSA wants the same DACP benefits extended to dentists, who are currently excluded.
4. Promotion Benefits for Ad-hoc and Contractual Doctors
- Many doctors serve in contractual roles for years but don’t receive credit for this period when it comes to promotions.
- OMSA wants these service years to be considered fairly.
5. Transparent Transfer Policies
- The association is asking for a clear and fair transfer policy, especially prioritizing those working in the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) tribal belt who want to relocate after years of service.
6. Health Insurance Coverage
- Despite being frontline warriors, many government doctors lack proper health insurance.
- OMSA is demanding comprehensive health insurance coverage for all doctors.
7. Shift Appraisal Power to Director of Health Services
- Currently, district collectors handle performance appraisals, which OMSA claims often lead to unfair evaluations.
- They want the Director of Health Services to be the sole authority for medical appraisals.
What Happens If Demands Are Ignored?
OMSA has announced a phased protest strategy:
- From May 20, Doctors will boycott outpatient services (OPDs) on Sundays and public holidays, only attending emergency cases.
- From June 20: If there’s no action from the government, mass resignations by thousands of doctors could follow.
OMSA President Dr. Kishore Chandra Mishra clarified that this stepwise approach is designed to give the government time to respond while minimizing immediate impact on patient care.
What’s at Stake?
If the protests escalate, over 5,000 doctors across Odisha may resign, putting the entire public healthcare system at serious risk, especially in rural and tribal areas where access to private medical care is limited.
OMSA argues that implementing DACP and other reforms would:
- Boost morale among government doctors,
- Improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas,
- And ensure fair, structured growth opportunities, reducing the risk of doctors leaving public service.
In Summary
- OMSA’s 7 key demands focus on promotion policies, benefits for all categories of doctors, and structural reforms.
- Protests begin on May 20, with mass resignations planned for June 20 if there’s no progress.
- The situation could lead to a severe disruption in healthcare services across Odisha if not resolved promptly.
