Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) members attended a crucial meeting with Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling. The discussions were important because OMSA members have threatened to stop National Health Mission (NHM)-related outpatient department (OPD) services and work for at least one hour every day beginning on December 26 due to the state government’s purported inability to resolve their long-standing complaints.
An official statement following the meeting stated that the conversation with the OMSA representatives had a favorable conclusion. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the meeting to be organized in light of the public’s need for health services. The Health Minister stated that a committee would be established to review the requests made by the government physicians and take appropriate action in response to OMSA’s demands.
Mahaling urged the association to refrain from resorting to agitation, giving importance to the health of the people. Following the meeting, OMSA members agreed to continue discussions with the government and ensure uninterrupted health services without any hindrance in the interest of people. Health Secretary Aswathy S, Special Secretary Dr. Vijay Mohapatra and other senior officers were present during this meeting.
Notably, OMSA had earlier alleged that the government has failed to implement essential reforms needed to strengthen the state’s healthcare system though more than a year has passed since submitting a comprehensive list of demands to the Chief Minister and Health Minister.
