Odisha doctors issue one-month ultimatum to state govt to meet 7 demands, threaten mass resignation

The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the state government, threatening mass resignations and work boycotts if seven key demands are not addressed. The decision followed a Sunday general body meeting in Bhubaneswar, attended by doctors from across Odisha.

Sources cited doctors present at the meeting stating that the demands focus on career progression, welfare, and systemic reforms. Doctors sought immediate implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme, a system already adopted by 18 states, to ensure timely promotions and salary hikes.

Other issues include cadre restructuring, health insurance coverage, transparent transfer policies, and extending benefits to dentists and ad-hoc doctors, said reports.

Key Demands at a Glance

1. Implement DACP for all government doctors.
2. Restructure the medical cadre, stagnant for seven years.
3. Extend DACP benefits and incentives to dentists.
4. Include contractual service periods of ad-hoc doctors in promotions.
5. Ensure transparent transfers, prioritising doctors in KBK regions for relocation.
6. Provide health insurance for government doctors.
7. Authorise the Director of Health Services to handle appraisals, not district collectors.

Phased Protests Planned

If unmet, OMSA will begin boycotting outpatient services on Sundays and holidays starting May 20, limiting work to emergencies. Additionally, it also stated that escalation to mass resignations is slated for June 20.

OMSA President Dr. Kishore Chandra Mishra also mentioned that the phased approach allows the government time to act while safeguarding public healthcare.

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Risk to Healthcare System

Over 5,000 doctors could resign, destabilising Odisha’s healthcare infrastructure, even as OMSA argues that reforms like DACP would reduce attrition, improve rural service quality, and ensure fair career growth.