Govt’s apathy has crippled healthcare services in Odisha: BJD
Bhubaneswar, July 3 (IANS) Amid disruptions in healthcare services caused by the indefinite strike by doctors across the state since Wednesday over a 10-point charter of demands, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday launched a scathing attack on the state government, alleging that its indifferent and negligent attitude had led to the complete collapse of healthcare services across the state.
The BJD further added that from post-mortem examinations to OPD, IPD, treatment of outdoor patients, and medical care for patients admitted to hospitals, every aspect of healthcare has been severely affected.
Addressing a press conference, Debi Prasad Mishra, BJD Senior Vice-President and former Health Minister, said that on January 9, 2026, discussions were held between the Health Secretary, the Health Minister and office-bearers of the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) regarding the doctors’ 10-point charter of demands.
He added that the government had assured that a committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary would be constituted and that a solution would be found within two to three months.
“Unfortunately, the committee could not be constituted because the Additional Chief Secretary, who was to chair it, went on leave and subsequently retired. As a result, after waiting for six months, OMSA served a strike notice effective from July 1, observed as National Doctors’ Day,” said Mishra.
He said that despite a meeting with the government on June 2, no concrete assurance or written commitment on the doctors’ demands was given.
He said the government again failed to give any credible assurance during the June 30 meeting, leaving the doctors with no option but to continue the strike, which has severely disrupted healthcare services across the state.
“The state government should immediately intervene and restore normal healthcare services. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure that patients are not deprived of medical treatment. If any unfortunate incident occurs, the state government will be solely responsible,” stated Mishra.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, the Health and Family Welfare Department on Friday wrote to the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), inviting the doctors’ body for a discussion with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.
“The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the subject mentioned above and to say that the Hon’ble Minister, Health & FW has been pleased to have a discussion on different demands of Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) with the State Executives of OMSA on 04.07.2026 at 11.30 AM in the Office Chamber of Hon’ble Minister, Health & FW,” reads the letter.
–IANS
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