Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has formed an inter-departmental committee to examine the feasibility of various demands raised by the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), the state’s largest body representing government doctors.
According to a notification issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the committee is headed by the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department. It includes the Principal Secretaries (or Additional Chief Secretary) of the General Administration & Public Grievances and Law departments, along with the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. The Director of Health Services, Odisha, will serve as the member convener.
The committee has been tasked with assessing OMSA’s 10-point charter of demands related to service conditions, career progression, pay parity, incentives, and working conditions, and suggesting phased implementation where feasible. Its first meeting is scheduled for July 22, during which OMSA representatives will make a detailed presentation.
This development came after doctors affiliated with OMSA launched an indefinite strike on July 1, which affected outpatient and other services across government health facilities. The agitation was suspended on July 5 following marathon talks with Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling and senior officials. Doctors have since resumed duties, though OMSA has clarified that the strike has only been put on hold, not fully withdrawn.
Core Demands of OMSA
The doctors’ charter includes several long-pending issues:
>> Implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme aligned with central pay structures from the date of eligibility, including rectification of pay anomalies and abolition of Level 15 for doctors (to match other Class-I officers).
>> Proportionate cadre restructuring across grades.
>> Enhanced incentives for super-specialists, specialists, diploma holders, and administrators, plus postmortem allowances.
>> A three-year exit policy for doctors serving in backward KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) and TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) areas.
>> Transparent, time-bound promotion policies and regular recruitment/DPCs.
>> Strengthening of safety and security measures in hospitals, including revisions to the Odisha Medicare Act for stricter action against violence.
>> Regularisation of ad-hoc/contractual doctors, health insurance, better amenities, and involvement of OMSA in policy consultations.
