Storm Kicked up By Goa Health Minister’s Outburst at Doctor Refuses to Subside
New Delhi: Criticism continues to pour in for Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane after his public castigation and ad hoc suspension of senior doctor Rudresh Kuttikar at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Amid mounting protests, on Monday (June 9), the minister issued an apology to the doctor, who he refused to apologise to earlier.
While the suspension was overruled by Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday, the episode led to widespread outrage, with many criticising Rane for abusing his power and his extraordinary demeanour while doing so.
Rane is understood to have paid a surprise visit to the GMCH casualty ward, presumably last week. The minister, who appears to have taken a television crew who filmed his visit, can be seen storming into the casualty ward, fuming as he asks the staff for the CMO or casualty medical officer.
In videos shared multiple times on social media, he is seen subjecting Kuttikar to a barrage of harsh remarks. “You learn to control your tongue. Don’t force me to act. Put your hands out [of the pocket] when you are standing in front of me. I generally don’t lose my cool, but you have to behave yourself. However much you’re loaded, you will talk properly to the patient and guide the patient,” he says in the video.
He them turns to another person and adds, “Generate his suspension order and kick him out. These doctors don’t understand.”
Is it the Dictatorship of Goa BJP Govt Health Minister @visrane ?
All because one person from the press complained to him and if it was Normal Person he would not care also.
1. Walking around the hospital like he owns it
2. Recording videos in an area where it's clearly stated… pic.twitter.com/zgdXlCtc9P
— Suraj G Naik (@yoursurajnaik) June 7, 2025
As the doctor tries to offer an explanation, Rane shuts him off, asks him to leave multiple times and asks security to take him away.
“When the investigation starts, you give your explanation, that time I will consider whether I want to take you back or not. Otherwise, [for] next two years, you will be suspended…as long as my tenure is there,” Rane is heard saying.
“You just understand one thing, you’re dealing with me. I’m telling you to go,” the minister adds, asking him to “learn to shut up”.
IMA condemns
The Indian Medical Association’s Goa branch has hit out, condemning the “unruly act by the health minister”.
“The IMA Goa state branch is deeply disturbed and profoundly disappointed to note the circulating video that clearly shows the Health Minister of Goa, accompanied by media persons, entering the emergency ward of Goa Medical College and, based solely on alleged complaint conveyed over the phone by a press reporter, proceeding to suspend a senior doctor from the emergency department without giving him an opportunity to present his side of the facts besides publicly berating him in a tone and manner that amounts to emotional assault on the duty doctors,” it stated.
“Such an action is deeply regrettable and unacceptable. It not only bypasses due process and natural justice but also disregards the professional dignity and morale of the entire medical community. We strongly condemn this arbitrary and high-handed behavior that has humiliated and victimised a dedicated medical professional in full view of the public and media,” it further stated.
“We urge the authorities to immediately rescind the suspension and reinstate the doctor, while ensuring that a fair trial remains an integral part of any grievance redressal process. IMA Goa firmly stands with the victimized doctor and hopes that better sense and justice prevail,” the IMA stated.
‘In defence of a helpless, elderly woman’
As the video generated criticism, the minister released a statement of explanation. He said that he had received a message from a family member of a senior citizen, who was already in pain and advised to receive daily injections, and was refused the same at the hospital's casualty ward on a public holiday. Meanwhile, many doctors have written on X that the injection – of Vitamin B12 – was not an emergency dose in any way and nor is it usually administered daily.
“What made the matter worse was that the casualty had minimal patient load at the time, and yet, a simple act of compassion and care was withheld. I found this deeply upsetting,” he said in a post on X.
“Yes, as the Health Minister, I did intervene and I accept that my tone and words could have been more measured. I’m not above reflection or criticism. I take full responsibility for how I communicated, and I assure you, such an approach will not be repeated,” he said.
However, Rane refused to apologise for what he called “standing up for a patient who was denied care”.
“However, what I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care. Doctors hold a noble position in society, and most of them at GMC serve with great dedication. But when arrogance seeps into duty, when compassion is replaced with indifference, it is my responsibility to take action. Because if we let such behaviour pass unaddressed, we send a message that it is acceptable to deny a senior citizen or any other person medical help,” he wrote.
“I did what I did in defence of a helpless, elderly woman. And I will continue to speak up, act, and fight for the rights of every patient who walks into our hospital,” he added.
Meanwhile, chief minister Sawant has jumped in to attempt damage control and revoked the suspension order.
In a post on X, he said, “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 standards of healthcare for every citizen. We also appreciate the tireless efforts and invaluable service of our doctors, who continue to save lives,” he added.
Doctors' protests and an ultimatum
On Monday, doctors at GMCH launched protests, demanding a more sincere public apology and an end to “VIP culture” at the hospital. Senior consultants, department heads, interns and members of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) were part of the protest.
The GARD had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Rane to issue an apology. "While we acknowledge and respect the authority vested in the Health Minister, the conduct demonstrated in this instance represents a serious breach of these foundational values. Publicly reprimanding a doctor while they are discharging their duties, without the benefit of a fair and impartial inquiry, is not merely an affront to an individual practitioner – it is an assault on the very institution of medicine," the association said, condemning Rane's act.
Placing demands before the minister, the GARD called for immediate and unconditional revocation and fair inquiry into the issue, a "formal, public apology" from the minister to the doctor and "to the medical community of Goa for his deeply unprofessional conduct", assurance of non-repetition, total ban of any form of videography and the "end of VIP culture in clinical setting".
'Being politicised'
The Goa health minister ultimately issued an apology, though only on social media, and urged the doctors to return to work. "During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly extended my heartfelt apology to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words spoken by me during my visit to GMC. 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 said in a post on X.
"While I may have erred in my communication, my intent was always to ensure that no patient is denied timely care and that our public health system remains responsive and compassionate," he added, while also expressing "concern" about the disruption in services at GMHC.
He claimed that the issue was being "politicised", "turning a professional matter into a political confrontation".
"The public is bearing the brunt of this situation, and I urge all our doctors to reflect on the larger responsibility we share the welfare of our people. This issue is now unfortunately being politicised, turning a professional matter into a political confrontation. That is not the path we should follow," he said.
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