Argus News - OESMA Cannot Intimidate Us: OMSA General Secretary

Bhubaneswar, Jan 7: The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) has strongly reacted to the state government’s decision to invoke the Odisha Essential Services Maintenance Act (OESMA) to curb the ongoing doctors’ agitation.

OMSA General Secretary Sanjeev Pradhan said the government cannot “intimidate” doctors by imposing ESMA.

Responding to the move, Pradhan stated that patient care has not been disrupted due to the agitation. “We are with the patients and also with the government,” he said, adding that the solution lies with the Chief Minister and the Health Minister. “The sooner they want, the sooner the problem will be resolved,” he remarked.

Pradhan further described the government’s decision as “unfortunate,” emphasising that the doctors’ demands remain unresolved despite earlier assurances. He reiterated that invoking ESMA will not deter the association from continuing its movement.

On Tuesday, the state government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1988, prohibiting strikes by healthcare workers for the next six months.

Doctors across the state have been abstaining from OPD services for two hours daily, prompting the government to take strict action to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.


Also read: Odisha Govt Invokes OESMA For Six Months After Doctors’ Strike

The Home Department has issued stringent directives, instructing the Health and Family Welfare Department, police authorities, district magistrates, and other concerned officials to enforce the order strictly.

The government stated that the step was taken in the interest of public welfare to prevent disruption of essential medical services.