MBBS Graduates Stage Protest in Odisha Over Delayed Appointment Letters
In a significant demonstration, candidates holding MBBS degrees staged a dharna in front of the office of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) in Cuttack on Monday. The protestors demanded the issuance of offer letters to approximately 901 candidates for joining government hospitals across the state.
Background of the Recruitment Drive
The OPSC issued an advertisement on June 8, 2025, for the appointment of 5,284 doctors in various government hospitals throughout Odisha. Around 3,000 candidates appeared for the recruitment test conducted last year, with only 1,840 successfully qualifying. While 822 candidates have already been recruited, the remaining individuals are still awaiting their appointment letters, leading to frustration and public outcry.
Voices from the Protest
One agitating candidate expressed their concerns, stating, "Our document verification was completed in October last year, but we are in the dark about whether we will get the job or not. That's why we have hit the street." Another protestor highlighted a contentious issue, noting that around 400 posts were allocated for general candidates, which constituted less than 50% of the total positions. This allocation prompted some general candidates to challenge the matter in the Orissa High Court.
A different candidate emphasized the irony of the situation, saying, "While government hospitals across the state have a shortage of doctors, candidates with medical degrees are not getting recruited. This is unfortunate. The government should interfere in this matter and resolve it by appointing the remaining qualified candidates." The protestors also met with Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling to discuss their grievances and seek immediate resolution.
Official Response from OPSC
OPSC Secretary Bijay Kumar Khandayat Ray provided clarification on the recruitment process. He stated that out of the 1,840 candidates who qualified the test, 1,723 were present for document verification. "We followed the high court order and gave appointment letters to 822 candidates. We cannot comment on why the other candidates did not get the appointment letters," he added, indicating adherence to legal directives while leaving the fate of the remaining candidates uncertain.
Broader Implications
This protest underscores a critical issue in Odisha's healthcare sector, where a shortage of doctors in government hospitals persists despite a pool of qualified medical graduates awaiting employment. The delay in issuing appointment letters not only affects the career prospects of these candidates but also exacerbates the healthcare crisis in the state. The involvement of legal challenges and high-level political discussions highlights the complexity of the situation, calling for swift governmental action to address both recruitment delays and systemic inefficiencies.
As the protest continues, stakeholders are urging the Odisha government to expedite the appointment process, ensuring that qualified MBBS graduates are integrated into the healthcare system to meet public health needs effectively.
