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Panaji, June 2025 — A heated dispute between Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and senior doctors at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has escalated, with medical professionals demanding a public apology at the site of a viral confrontation. The controversy began after a surprise visit by Minister Rane to the hospital’s casualty ward, where he reportedly berated and then suspended Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar over allegations of misbehavior and refusal to treat a patient.
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed Minister Rane confronting Dr. Kuttikar in front of hospital staff. The Minister had reportedly received a complaint that Dr. Kuttikar was refusing to treat a patient, prompting his intervention. However, Dr. Kuttikar has since clarified that the patient’s request was for a non-emergency Vitamin B12 injection, which, according to hospital protocol, is not administered in the casualty ward reserved for critical cases.
Following the public suspension—later revoked—the Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the Minister’s actions, calling for immediate reinstatement and a fair trial for Dr. Kuttikar. Resident doctors issued a 48-hour ultimatum for a public apology, threatening to strike if their demands were not met.
Minister’s Apology and Doctor’s Rejection
On Monday, Minister Rane issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret for his “harsh words” and emphasizing his respect for the medical profession. He urged doctors to return to duty, highlighting the impact on patients as services at GMCH were disrupted.
Dr. Kuttikar, however, rejected the online apology, calling it a “studio apology,” and demanded that Minister Rane apologize in person at the Casualty Department where the incident occurred. “As my humiliation went viral, the apology should also be viral,” Dr. Kuttikar stated, setting a 24-hour deadline.
Support from the Medical Community
The Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors’ Association (MSRDA) has written to the Prime Minister, condemning the public suspension and calling for national safeguards against political interference in medical matters. The association described the incident as emblematic of a disturbing trend where doctors are made scapegoats for administrative failures.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also expressed deep concern, highlighting the need for dignity and respect for healthcare professionals. The IMA called for stronger legal protections for doctors, including stricter penalties for harassment and violence against medical staff.
Ongoing Tensions and Calls for Resolution
As of now, the standoff continues, with doctors insisting on a public apology and the government urging a return to normalcy for the sake of patient care. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the treatment of medical professionals and the need for mutual respect between healthcare workers and those in positions of authority.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on reports from Medical Dialogues and other media sources. The views and statements attributed to individuals and organizations are as reported by these sources. The facts and claims have not been independently verified by the author, and readers are advised to refer to official statements or updates for the most accurate information. The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
