Goa Health Minister Faces Backlash Over Public Suspension Order, Doctors Threaten Indefinite Strike

A day after publicly suspending a senior doctor at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was met with severe backlash from medical associations and political parties.

The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) has given a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a public apology and revocation of the suspension, threatening an indefinite strike otherwise.

Rane’s Surprise Visit Sparks Controversy

On Saturday, Minister Rane paid an unannounced visit to GMCH in Bambolim. During the inspection, he received a complaint that Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Rudresh Kuttikar was refusing to treat a patient and was misbehaving.

In a video that quickly went viral, Rane was seen reprimanding Dr Kuttikar. “You learn to control your tongue. You are a doctor… you have to behave yourself,” he told the CMO. Turning to medical superintendent Dr Rajesh Patil, he added, “Replace him with another CMO. I want him to be suspended immediately.”

Political and Professional Condemnation

Rane’s public confrontation drew strong reactions. The Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association condemned his actions and demanded the reinstatement of Dr Kuttikar.

The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and Revolutionary Goans Party criticized the minister for his conduct. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took to social media to clarify that the CMO would not be suspended.

GARD Issues Ultimatum and Protests Begin

On Sunday, GARD issued a strong statement, calling for the immediate revocation of the suspension, a public apology from the minister, a ban on filming in emergency areas, and an end to political interference in hospitals.

“Barring swift resolution in 48 hours, we will be forced to escalate our mass protests in the form of a strike,” said GARD.

By Monday morning, doctors at GMCH were seen protesting with black armbands and raising slogans. GARD maintained its stance, demanding justice, a fair inquiry, and assurances that such incidents would not recur.

Rane Responds to Criticism

Defending his actions, Rane said, “Yes, as the health minister, I did intervene and I accept that my tone and words could have been more measured. I am not above reflection or criticism. However, I will not apologise.”

He added that his intervention was based on a complaint from a senior journalist whose mother-in-law was allegedly mistreated in the casualty ward.

Rane reiterated that most doctors at GMCH serve with dedication but stressed, “But when arrogance seeps into duty, when compassion is replaced with indifference, it is my responsibility to take action.”

Minister Clarifies Intentions and Later Apologises

Addressing the social media backlash, Rane said, “Over the last few hours, a lot has been said and written about an incident at the Goa Medical College today and the suspension of a doctor on duty.

I feel it is important to address this directly, not just as your health minister, but as someone deeply committed to ensuring that no citizen is ever denied basic medical care.”

He explained that the elderly woman involved had been denied care on a public holiday, despite the ward having a minimal patient load. “A simple act of compassion and care was withheld. I found this deeply upsetting,” he said.

Two days after the incident, Rane issued a public apology to Dr Kuttikar during a live broadcast with a regional channel.

“In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation. It was never my intention to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional,” he posted on X.

GARD Calls for Systemic Reforms

GARD also demanded long-term policy changes to avoid future incidents. The association asked for a ban on all forms of videography in patient care areas, an end to VIP culture in hospitals, and for treatment decisions to be based solely on triage and clinical urgency, not social or political influence.

“We demand a firm assurance from the government that no healthcare professional will ever be subjected to such a degrading and arbitrary ordeal again,” GARD stated.

Rane Appeals for Calm and Cooperation

In a subsequent post on X, Rane expressed concern over the disruption caused by the protests. “The public is bearing the brunt of this situation, and I urge all our doctors to reflect on the larger responsibility we share for the welfare of our people,” he wrote.

Rane appealed to doctors to return to duty and not let a professional issue become a political conflict.

“Let us all rise above this moment, reaffirm our shared commitment to public health and work together to ensure that no patient suffers due to misunderstandings or misplaced priorities,” he added.