Despite the Odisha government invoking the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (ESMA) to ban the ongoing strike, doctors across the state continued their agitation on Wednesday, suspending Outpatient Department (OPD) services for two hours. The protest, held from 9 am to 11 am, severely affected patient care in government hospitals and health centres statewide.

The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) enforced the statewide OPD shutdown as part of its ongoing movement demanding fulfilment of a 10-point charter of demands. The decision to proceed with the agitation, despite the ESMA clampdown, has highlighted the growing standoff between the doctors’ association and the state government.

The two-hour suspension of OPD services caused substantial inconvenience to patients, particularly those from rural and remote areas who rely heavily on government facilities for daily consultations and follow-up treatment.

The state government had invoked ESMA on Tuesday, making it illegal for doctors to disrupt essential services, including emergency medical care. Under the Act, any strike that hampers essential healthcare delivery is prohibited. However, OMSA leaders have said the protest will continue until their demands are addressed.

While emergency services remain functional, the continued disruption of routine OPD services has drawn criticism for impacting patient care. The association has maintained its firm stand, reiterating that the agitation will not be withdrawn despite government restrictions.

The deadlock between the Odisha government and OMSA shows no sign of resolution yet, leaving patients to bear the brunt of the prolonged protest.