BJD Accuses Odisha Govt of Paralyzing Medical Care Amid Ongoing Strike

The ongoing doctors' strike in Odisha, which started on Wednesday, has left the state's health infrastructure in a near‑standstill. Outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, emergency rooms and routine procedures are largely non‑functional. In a Friday press briefing, senior BJD leader and former health minister Debi Prasad Mishra lambasted the state administration for its “indifferent and negligent” stance, asserting that this attitude has effectively shut down public health services. Mishra highlighted a meeting held on 9 January 2026 with the health secretary, health minister and representatives of the Odisha Medical Services Association, where the ten‑point demands were tabled. The government promised to constitute a committee chaired by an additional chief secretary and to reach a solution within two to three months. The appointed chief secretary subsequently went on leave and retired, causing the committee to never materialise. After a six‑month delay, OMSA issued a strike notice effective 1 July—coinciding with National Doctors’ Day. Subsequent discussions on 2 June and the 30 June meeting failed to deliver any written commitment, forcing doctors to continue the strike, which has severely impacted health services statewide. Mishra urged immediate governmental action to restore routine medical care and warned that any adverse outcome will be the direct responsibility of the state.