Team Goemkarponn
BAMBOLIM: Health services at Goa Medical College (GMC) were severely disrupted on Monday as doctors across ranks launched a protest against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, following his public reprimand of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar. The protest, led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Council, saw participation from department heads, consultants, resident doctors, medical students, and interns. The protesting doctors submitted a list of demands to GMC Dean Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, calling for a public apology from the minister, an end to VIP culture at the hospital, and enforcement of rules prohibiting video recording in patient-care zones.
The crisis began on Saturday when Minister Rane publicly criticized Dr. Kuttikar and announced his intention to initiate suspension proceedings against him. His remarks were met with immediate backlash from the medical fraternity, opposition leaders, and citizens who viewed the move as high-handed and disrespectful to medical professionals. In an effort to defuse tensions, Rane appeared on Local Media TV channel on Sunday, stating that he had not actually proceeded with any suspension and that there was “no question of suspension anymore.” He also expressed regret over his earlier comments, saying, “I have no ego. I had no intention to hurt the medical fraternity. That said, I will always stand up for discipline at GMC.”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also intervened, publicly assuring that Dr. Kuttikar would not face suspension. Despite these reassurances, the medical staff at GMC remained firm, maintaining that the incident reflected a deeper issue of administrative interference and lack of respect for clinical autonomy. On Monday, Rane reiterated his apology in a social media post, stating, “I extended my heartfelt apology to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words. I hold the highest respect for doctors’ contribution to our state. However, I am equally concerned about the disruption in services at Goa Medical College, which is now impacting thousands of innocent patients. I appeal to our doctors to return to duty with the same passion and commitment that defines their profession.”
The protesting doctors have submitted seven key demands, which include revocation of any suspension orders, a public apology delivered at the GMC casualty ward, a formal assurance against repeat incidents, a complete ban on videography in patient areas, elimination of VIP culture in government hospitals, implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for VIP protocols, and an FIR against the individual who recorded the incident video. A meeting was held between representatives of the medical fraternity and Dean Bandekar, but no resolution was reported as of late Monday. With healthcare services disrupted and tensions running high, the situation at GMC remains tense, with both sides yet to find common ground.
