Patients were left waiting across government hospitals in Odisha on Tuesday as doctors continued their two-hour OPD shutdown to protest against long-pending demands. Outpatient services remained suspended from 9 am to 11 am, disrupting routine medical care and causing inconvenience to patients and their attendants.
The protest is being led by theOdisha Medical Services Association(OMSA) and has been ongoing since December 26. Doctors are pressing for the fulfilment of ten key demands, including the provision of DSC posts at the central level, restructuring of the dental cadre, and enhancement of post-mortem allowances.
During the shutdown, patients were unable to receive consultations or treatment at OPD counters, forcing many to wait for hours outside hospitals. Relatives and attendants expressed concern as healthcare services remained partially disrupted during peak hours.
A protesting doctor said that despite multiple rounds of discussions and the formation of several committees in the past, no concrete outcome had been achieved. “We need a written assurance, or the Chief Minister should call us for a discussion,” the doctor said.
The Health Department has constituted a committee to examine the demands raised by the doctors, and officials said efforts are underway to resolve the issues through dialogue. Appealing to doctors to resume regular duties, Health MinisterMukesh Mahalingurged them to avoid disruption of services and engage in discussions.
“Any matter can be resolved through dialogue across the table. Doctors are next to God, and I request them to respect their profession and continue patient care,” the Health Minister said.
Emergency services remained operational during the protest to ensure that critical patients were not affected.
