TheOdishaMedical Services Association (OMSA) has withdrawn its protest across Odisha following discussions with the Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday.
As per reports, OMSA announced the suspension of the protest after receiving firm assurances from the government.
According to the association, some time is required to complete official procedures, and therefore, the government needs to be given adequate time. Keeping this in view, the doctors’ association decided to call off the protest.
OMSA further stated that government orders addressing some of their demands will be issued today, while a timeline has been given for the fulfilment of the remaining demands.
Notably, the doctors had been carrying out their agitation by observing a symbolic protest with a one-hour OPD shutdown from November 26, followed by a two-hour OPD shutdown from January 5. In a bid to prevent agitation by the doctors, the Odisha government imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) a couple of days back.
"I thank the president, secretary and all the members of OMSA. We had invited them for a discussion. All the officials of our department and OMSA were present in the discussion. The discussion was held with a positive mindset. A high-level committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, GA & PG Department and three Secretaries of the Health, Finance and Law Departments has been formed to review their demands and give necessary recommendations to the government. The government has given them strong assurance to consider their demands and fulfil them as per the recommendation of the committee," said Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
