Taking a tough stand against agitating government doctors, Orissa government on Friday imposed Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against them.

The govt. has also accepted resignation of seven of their leaders. The govt. has prohibited strikes in health services with effect from today for a period of six months invoking the provisions of ESMA, 1988.

ESMA will be applicable for all the doctors working in different hospitals across the state.

"Those violating service conduct will be severely punished. Government will not surrender before the agitating doctors," Health minister Sanatan Bisi said.

Collectors of 30 districts had also been alerted to make alternative arrangement to face the eventuality.

Earlier 2500 doctors had tendered their resignation protesting the dismissal of three of their colleagues. They were dismissed for cutting palms while performing autopsy on 5 tribals killed in police firing in 2006.

They have threatened to cease work from 9 November.