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Panaji, June 11, 2025 — Doctors at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have called off their strike after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured them of new protocols, enhanced security, and an end to the so-called “VIP culture” in the hospital. The decision comes after days of tension sparked by a public confrontation between the state’s Health Minister and a senior doctor.
The controversy began when Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, during a surprise visit to GMCH, berated and suspended Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), following allegations of misbehavior with a patient. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, led to widespread condemnation from the medical community.
The Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) demanded the doctor’s reinstatement, a public apology from the Health Minister, and assurances to prevent such incidents in the future. Resident doctors issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to strike if their demands were not met.
Minister Rane later issued an apology on social media platform X, but Dr. Kuttikar rejected it as a “studio apology,” insisting on a public apology at the site of the incident. The situation escalated until Chief Minister Sawant personally intervened.
On Tuesday, after a closed-door meeting with protesting doctors, CM Sawant accepted all seven demands presented by the medical fraternity. These included:
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A ban on videography and photography in patient care areas
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Appointment of a police sub-inspector at the hospital outpost and additional police personnel for staff protection
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Establishment of a vigilance committee
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Implementation of protocols to end VIP culture
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Enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms
The doctors also staged a symbolic apology to the “chair” of the CMO, representing the sanctity of the medical profession rather than seeking a personal apology for Dr. Kuttikar. Dr. Madhy Ghodkirekar, representing the Casualty Medical Officers, clarified, “We demanded an apology to the profession and the ‘chair’ that was insulted, not for any individual.”
GARD President Aayush Sharma praised the Chief Minister’s engagement with the medical community, stating that the association’s decision to end the strike was made “in the paramount interest of public health and to prevent any disruption to patient care.” He emphasized that GARD remains committed to the resident community and is not influenced by any political agenda.
Despite the resolution, some doctors expressed dissatisfaction with the Health Minister’s response. A whiteboard message at the hospital read, “Public apology by HM (health minister), nothing more, nothing less. You can persuade one doctor, but you can’t convince all doctors to accept a fake apology.”
The Chief Minister assured that a police sub-inspector and 50 additional personnel would be deployed for the protection of medical staff, and strict measures would be enforced to prohibit unauthorized videography. He also directed the hospital administration to strengthen the grievance redressal system.
The strike’s end has been welcomed as a relief for patients, as GMCH is the sole tertiary healthcare facility in Goa. The medical fraternity has reiterated its commitment to patient care while urging authorities to uphold the dignity and safety of healthcare workers.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available from news sources and official statements as of June 11, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the situation may evolve, and details may be subject to change. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the news sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the author or this platform. For the latest updates, please refer to official government or hospital communications.
