Odisha govt urges striking doctors to resume duty, offers talks

Bhubaneswar, July 2 (IANS) Amid the statewide indefinite strike by the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), the Odisha Government on Thursday appealed to the agitating doctors to withdraw their protest, resume duties immediately and join discussions, while assuring that healthcare services across the state continue uninterrupted.

The government said healthcare services are continuing smoothly and peacefully across Odisha, with arrangements in place to ensure that patient care remains unaffected.

The state government, in an official statement, noted that even before the strike called by the OMSA began, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mukesh Mahaling, along with the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health Department and the Director of Health Services, held detailed discussions with representatives of OMSA. The department also continued dialogue with the association at various levels.

The government underscored that it has already accepted several long-pending demands of doctors and implemented measures such as cadre restructuring, Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), Special Incentives and Place-based Incentives. It also highlighted that several initiatives have been undertaken to facilitate doctors’ higher education and professional development.

Reiterating its commitment to addressing the legitimate concerns of doctors, the government said it has always remained sensitive to their genuine demands.

“The State Government has always remained considerate towards the legitimate demands of doctors. However, the interests of patients and the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services are being accorded the highest priority. Therefore, the agitating doctors have been urged to immediately resume their duties. The Government is fully ready to hold constructive discussions on their demands once they return to work,” the government said.

Accordingly, the government has urged the agitating doctors to immediately return to work. It assured that once they resume duties, it is fully prepared to hold constructive discussions on their demands.

Invoking the principle of “Service is the highest duty,” the government appealed to the doctors to withdraw their agitation and continue serving patients as before.

“If the interests of patients and the delivery of healthcare services are adversely affected, the Government will be compelled to take appropriate and necessary action,” cautioned the Government.

Notably, the doctors have been observing an indefinite strike since Wednesday over a 10-point charter of demands, urging the State Government to address their grievances.

–IANS

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