Bhubaneswar: Healthcare services in the private sector were hit across the state following the 24-hour cease work strike launched by the All Odisha Private Medical Establishment Forum (AOPMEF) Friday. As many as 2000 private hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and patholoy labs took part in the strike. The strike will continue till 6am Saturday.
Demanding amendments to the Odisha Clinical Establishments Act, the Forum has urged the state government to take immediate steps for renewal of licence and registration of private hospitals, a demand since 2014.
While bike rallies were organised in different parts of the state including Cutttack and Bhadak to press the demands, the rally at the state capital was organised at Master Canteen.
Outdoor departments in private hospitals and clinics remained closed and new patients were not admitted Friday.
The state government has taken some steps to face the situation. Government hospitals were directed to ensure that patients do not suffer owing to the cease work strike. Leaves of the doctors and staff of SCB Medical College and Hospital have been cancelled and more doctors and paramedical staff pressed into service in vital departments like causality and trauma care.
