Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a stern directive against medical officers participating in the ongoing strike by doctors, warning of salary stoppage for regular doctors and termination of contractual doctors who remain absent from duty.

A letter issued by the department to the concerned authorities states that members of the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), doctors of the OMHS cadre and some contractual doctors have boycotted health services in most government hospitals since July 1. The strike has been called by OMSA over pending service-related demands. 

According to the letter, the state government has invoked the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (OESMA), 1988, through a Home Department notification dated January 6, 2026. It noted that the Act prohibits doctors and paramedics from resorting to strikes, as health services are classified as essential services.

The department stated that the boycott has deprived the public of healthcare services and termed the action "gross misconduct". It said that the striking doctors have violated Rules 3 and 4 of the Orissa Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1959, besides contravening the provisions of OESMA.

The government has directed all concerned authorities to withhold the salaries of OMHS cadre medical officers who are not performing their assigned duties until further instructions are issued.

The letter also warns that contractual doctors who have joined the strike and continue to remain absent from duty will face termination of their services after due notice.