Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane Apologises after Public Suspension of Doctor Sparks Outrage and Protests

Moneylife Digital Team 09 June 2025

Economy & Nation

Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane issued a public apology on Monday following intense backlash from the medical community and political opposition over his decision to publicly berate and suspend a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) during a surprise visit.

The apology came amid protests by senior doctors at GMCH, supported by organisations including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) which have strongly condemned the minister’s conduct and threatened to intensify their agitation.

Mr Rane’s controversial decision to suspend GMCH’s chief medical officer (CMO), Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, in the emergency ward on Saturday, reportedly after receiving a complaint from a journalist, triggered widespread condemnation. A video of the incident, showing the minister rebuking Dr Kuttikar in front of media cameras and ordering his immediate suspension, went viral, drawing sharp criticism for its perceived high-handedness and violation of due process.

In response to the uproar, Goa chief minister (CM) Pramod Sawant stepped in on Sunday and overruled the minister’s suspension order in an effort to defuse the situation. Mr Sawant praised the medical fraternity for its tireless service and urged for restraint and respect in handling grievances.

I have reviewed the issue at Goa Medical College and held discussions with the Health Minister. I want to assure the people of Goa that Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar will not be suspended.

The State Government and our dedicated medical team remain fully committed to ensuring the highest…
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 8, 2025

Mr Rane, meanwhile, admitted to acting in the heat of the moment. “I sincerely apologise if my actions have hurt anyone. I did not intend to disrespect the medical community. My only concern was patient welfare. I urge all doctors not to let services be affected,” he says.

However, the apology has done little to stem the outrage. The IMA’s Goa state branch, in a scathing statement, said it was “deeply disturbed and profoundly disappointed” by the minister’s conduct.

“The video clearly shows the health minister, accompanied by media persons, entering the emergency ward and, based solely on a complaint conveyed over the phone by a press reporter, proceeding to suspend a senior doctor without giving him an opportunity to present his side,” the IMA says. “This action amounts to emotional assault and is unacceptable. It bypasses due process and natural justice, and undermines the morale of the entire medical community.”

The IMA demanded immediate revocation of the suspension and a public commitment to follow structured and fair inquiry procedures in future. “We strongly condemn this unruly act by the Health Minister. We stand firmly with the victimised doctor and urge the authorities to ensure that justice prevails,” the association says.

GARD also voiced support for the protest, warning that they would consider strike action if the issue was not resolved satisfactorily.

The incident has sparked broader concerns about political interference in hospital administration and the dignity of medical professionals. GMCH, located in Bambolim, is Goa’s premier public hospital and serves patients from the state as well as neighbouring areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

As tensions simmer, hospital authorities and the state government are now working to ensure that essential medical services are not disrupted by the ongoing protests. Many doctors have expressed fears that such public humiliation sets a dangerous precedent and may deter medical professionals from working in government hospitals.

For now, Dr Kuttikar remains at his post, but the episode has left a deep scar in Goa’s medical community. The state awaits further action from the government, not only to calm the immediate unrest but also to reinforce a culture of respect, due process, and accountability in public health governance.

Comments

User

iaminprabhu

5 days ago

How Cana Journalist complained (without verification) and walking in a HOSPITALS with Media be allowed in first place? Ministers think they have unhindered access or rights to take decisions without following RULES must be stopped ??

drneerjakamal

5 days ago

Why is he still a minister? . Why has he not been suspended for his conduct. He is elected by a democratic process. What gives him the right to behave in this manner with another citizen. This is why doctors in India suffer. This is why education feels useless. This is why people like him behave because no strict action is taken against them. This minister should be barred from election because such representatives of democracy mock democratic values. Shame on him and shame on us for electing such individuals.

Meenal Mamdani

Replied to drneerjakamal comment 5 days ago

I completely agree with you.
Politicians in India think they are gods and can flout rules, dispense arbitrary justice.
It is high time that this politician is dropped from the cabinet.
All that politicians care about is power and money that comes from exercising that power.
Let us see if the political party in power in Goa has the courage and has the principles to take this action.

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