The Madhya Pradesh government imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on Tuesday evening to prevent government doctors from going on strikes. Sources said that the government is in talks with the Madhya Pradesh Medical Officers Association (MPMOASS) to avert the ongoing strike. The agitating doctors are demanding better pay, the creation of single grade for doctors, and compensation orders for the recovery of arrears. “Despite assurances from the Chief Minister himself, our demands stand unfulfilled till date,” said Ajay Khare, president of the MPMOASS.