By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 24, 2018: All private hospitals across Odisha will remain closed on Friday to protest against the state government’s delay in amending the Odisha Clinical Establishment Act, 1990.

The outpatient and emergency departments in approximately 3,000 private hospitals will remain closed from 6 am following a ceasework agitation, Jagannath Mohapatra, the vice-president of All Odisha Private Medical Establishment Forum (AOPMEF), said.

The AOPMEF said the Odisha Clinical Establishment Act, 1990 is a hindrance for easy registration and renewal of private health facilities in the state.

“We had apprised the government about the matter way back in 2014, but no action was taken,” Mohapatra said.

Meanwhile, the state government has geared up to ensure patients are not inconvenienced by the protest, officials said.

The Director of Health Service (DHS) of Odisha, Dr B Brahma, has instructed all government health institutions, including medical colleges, to be ready to meet any emergency situation.

“We are prepared for any situation,” Dr Brahma said.

The government hospitals have also been asked to ensure that patients do not suffer, he said.