On 18 April 2010, just hours after going on strike, the government doctors in Orissa withdrew their protest. The decision to call off the strike was taken after a public appeal came from the Orissa Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, and subsequently talks were held between the representatives of the doctors, headed by Orissa Medical Service Association (OSMA) president, Madhusudan Mishra, and the Health Minister, Prasanna Acharya.

The Chief Minister assured the doctors that their demand for the implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Prospect (DACP) would be studied by a three-member inter-ministerial committee appointed by him and its recommendations would be implemented. The implementation of DACP will ensure better career prospects and promotions for doctors in the service. OMSA has around 2,500 members.

The doctors` woe was that the government has always taken them for a ride on the issue and, although repeated assurances were given, nothing concrete was ever done. Of significance is the fact that doctors are reluctant to join government service in Orissa. Recently, of the 556 posts advertised for doctors, only 408 were filled. OMSA claims that this is so because of lack of support of government. There are only 2,500 doctors against the requirement of 12,000; of these, 2,500, about 200 retire every year. The doctors had threatened to go on strike in December 2009 but had to defer it in view of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and government assurances.