Doctors’ Demands Take Centre Stage as Odisha Medical Association Holds Talks with Secretary-Level Government Committee

Bhubaneswar: July 27 UDN}:The Odisha government has begun addressing the demands raised by doctors. The first meeting between the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) and a secretary-level committee was held on Wednesday, during which discussions were held on around five of the doctors’ 10-point demands. The meeting was described as successful, and the committee is expected to submit a report to the government shortly after taking necessary steps in this regard, OMSA representatives said.
A seven-member delegation of OMSA held discussions with the five-member committee constituted by the Health Department on Wednesday evening. The meeting continued for nearly two hours, with detailed discussions on various demands raised by doctors.
Among the key issues discussed were the abolition of Level-15, provision of special allowances for doctors, and an increase in the salaries of contractual doctors. The committee reportedly expressed its agreement on these issues. It was also stated that matters concerning OHMS and the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) for dental doctors would be examined before a final decision is taken.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on the Medicare Act and the Public Health Cadre, among other issues. The committee is expected to take decisions on these matters soon. At another meeting, the committee will clarify the status of the demands and inform the government about the steps to be taken for their fulfilment. Following this, the Health Department is expected to issue the necessary official orders.
The OMSA delegation included its president, Dr Kishore Chandra Mishra, secretary Sanjeev Pradhan, and five other members. The committee comprised the Finance Secretary, Director of Health Services, Health and Family Welfare Secretary, Secretary of General Administration and Public Grievances, Law Secretary, and other senior officials of the Health Department.
OMSA said that decisions on the remaining demands would be taken by the Health Department and the state government.
According to reports, doctors had stopped providing patient services at government hospitals from Doctors’ Day in support of their 10-point charter of demands. The protest had affected healthcare services for patients across government hospitals. Following discussions with doctors over the fulfilment of their demands, the state government had constituted a committee to examine the issues. The first meeting of the committee was held on Wednesday.