Hundreds of MBBS doctors staged a peaceful protest on Monday outside the Odisha Public Service Commission office, demanding clarity and immediate action over delays in issuing appointment letters for medical officer posts. Despite qualifying for the positions, many candidates claim they have been left in uncertainty for months.
Qualified Doctors Left in Limbo
The protestors highlighted that the recruitment process, initiated in May last year for 5,284 medical officer posts, has not been completed transparently. Around 3,000 candidates appeared for the examination, out of which 1,840 qualified. However, after document verification, only about 822 candidates received appointment letters, leaving nearly 1,018 doctors without postings.
This gap has sparked frustration among the candidates, many of whom say their professional futures remain uncertain despite successfully clearing all required stages.
“Ready to Serve, But No Appointments”
Speaking during the protest, one of the agitating doctors said that while OPSC released a final list of around 800 candidates, no further steps have been taken for the remaining qualified candidates. The doctor emphasized that many are ready to serve in rural areas, questioning why the government is not utilizing available medical manpower despite ongoing shortages.
Another protester stated that they had approached authorities, including the state health minister, but their concerns remain unresolved. The doctors urged the government to ensure postings for all 1,840 qualified candidates.
Demand for Transparency and Fairness
The protesting doctors called for greater transparency in the recruitment process and requested the state government to intervene. They stressed that delays in appointments not only affect their careers but also impact healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
OPSC Cites High Court Directive
Responding to the allegations, OPSC Secretary Bijay Kumar Khandayat Ray clarified that the recruitment process was conducted strictly as per directives issued by the Orissa High Court. He stated that the court had mandated appointments for 822 candidates, which have already been completed.
According to OPSC, out of 1,840 shortlisted candidates, 1,722 appeared for document verification. Based on court orders, recommendations were made for 822 candidates, equally divided between unreserved and reserved categories. Any further appointments, the commission said, will depend on decisions taken by the state government.
Uncertainty Continues
With no clear timeline for the remaining appointments, the situation continues to leave over a thousand qualified doctors waiting. The protest underscores a broader concern over recruitment delays in the healthcare sector, especially at a time when states frequently cite shortages of medical professionals.
