India, Jan. 7 -- The Odisha government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in response to the ongoing statewide agitation by government doctors, even as the doctors' body has decided to continue its protest, defying the order.

Two-hour OPD shutdown disrupts healthcare Doctors across Odisha have launched a statewide agitation over a 10-point charter of demands. As part of the protest, outpatient department services at government hospitals have been shut for two hours every morning since Monday. The shutdown has severely affected patient care, leading to inconvenience for people visiting public health facilities.

ESMA imposed for six months In view of the disruption in essential health services, the state government ...