Goa, June 9: Doctors at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Monday paused their protest against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, but issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding a personal apology from him to Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, the senior doctor whose suspension was ordered publicly by the minister.
The flashpoint came during Rane’s surprise visit to GMCH on Saturday, where he accused the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kuttikar of misbehaving with patients and ordered his immediate suspension in front of staff and patients.
Facing intense backlash from the medical fraternity, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), the protest gathered momentum on Monday as heads of departments, consultants, students, and interns joined the demonstration outside the GMCH in Bambolim.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stepped in on Sunday, revoking the suspension order, in a bid to contain the spiraling crisis. However, doctors insisted that the public humiliation of a senior colleague demands a personal apology — not just a social media statement.
“Step in our shoes and think whether the apology was worth the disgrace faced by the doctor,” GARD president Ayush Sharma said, adding that while the minister expressed regret online, it lacked the sincerity of a direct apology.
The protest was temporarily suspended after GMCH Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar intervened and assured doctors that their demands had been communicated to the Health Minister’s office.
“They have asked for an apology. I have informed the minister. As dean, I, along with HoDs, will work to prevent such incidents in future,” Bandekar said.
Following the uproar, the GMCH administration agreed to ban videography and photography inside hospital premises, including the emergency and casualty wards. The doctors had expressed anger over officials and VIPs filming during inspections, which they said created an atmosphere of fear and disrespect.
The dean also announced plans to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate VIP treatment inside the hospital, ensuring ordinary patients aren’t sidelined.
The political backlash was swift. The Goa Congress demanded Vishwajit Rane’s immediate dismissal, with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar voicing solidarity with the doctors.
“When those who save lives are forced to hang up their stethoscopes and take to the streets, it’s a cry for dignity, justice, and safety,” he posted on X, accusing Rane of abusing power and pushing the state into “VIP arrogance and chaos.”
“Sack him now or face a mass revolt,” he warned Chief Minister Sawant.
In a social media post earlier Monday, Rane offered a public apology, saying: “In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation.”
He said his intent was always to ensure patients receive timely care, adding, “Doctors hold a sacred and noble position in our society. It was never my intention to disrespect anyone.”
But doctors said a tweet cannot undo a public insult, especially when made in full view of staff and patients.
With tensions still simmering and the 24-hour deadline in place, the spotlight now falls on whether Rane will meet the doctors’ demand in person or risk another round of protests — possibly a statewide doctors’ strike.
