Doctors defy ESMA, continue two-hour OPD boycott across Odisha

Even though the Odisha government invoked the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (ESMA) to ban the strike by the doctors, the medical staff across the State continued their protest on Wednesday by suspending Outpatient Department (OPD) services for two hours, severely impacting patient care across the state.

Despite the ESMA clampdown imposed in the interest of public welfare, the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) went ahead with its scheduled agitation, enforcing a statewide OPD shutdown from 9 am to 11 am. The protest is part of the doctors’ ongoing movement pressing for the fulfilment of their 10-point charter of demands.

The continued suspension of OPD services has caused significant inconvenience to patients, particularly those from rural and remote areas, who depend on government hospitals for regular medical consultations.

Notably, the Odisha government invoked ESMA on Tuesday, making it illegal to disrupt essential medical services, including emergency care. Under the provisions of the Act, no strike or agitation is permitted if it hampers emergency services. However, the protesting doctors continued their agitation, asserting that they would not withdraw the protest until their demands were addressed.

OMSA maintained that the movement will continue despite the government’s action and has reiterated its decision not to call off the protest. While emergency services remain operational, the OPD shutdown has drawn criticism for adversely affecting routine healthcare services.

Also Read: Rising AQI triggers action mode: Odisha government enforces anti-pollution measures

The standoff between the Odisha government and the doctors’ association continues, with patients bearing the brunt of the prolonged agitation.