PANAJI
Medics at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) went on a day-long protest on Monday demanding a “public apology” from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane who berated chief medical officer (CMO) and ordered his suspension.
Though the Minister tendered his apology through a media interview and later on social media, the protesting doctors demanded that Rane should visit the casualty ward and apologize to CMO, failing which the situation may escalate from Tuesday, leading to suspension of health services.
“I was humiliated by the Minister in the casualty on June 7. Our demand is that we require public apology in the casualty itself...Minister should come there and apologize to me immediately. The way my humiliation went viral on social media, his (Rane’s) public apology should also go viral,” said Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, the CMO, who was reprimanded by the Minister on Saturday that led to massive uproar.
Responding to the Minister's apology through social media platforms and in an interview, Kuttikar said “that was a studio apology…what we want is that he should come to the casualty ward and tender apology to me…it should be filmed too”.
Kuttikar said that the Minister should apologize to him within 24-hours failing which the entire medical services at GMC would be shut, including emergency.
Rane is facing severe backlash from organisations, including the All India Doctors Association, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), which has threatened a strike if the Minister fails to apologize by today (Monday).
“Whether it is 24 hours or 12 hours will not matter much. We will decide on the escalator steps tomorrow (Tuesday) after taking everyone into confidence including GMC doctors, faculty, residents, interns, students, IMA medical students group. This is not something that one individual can decide. We will take the appropriate call to ensure that our action does not affect people,” doctors said.
The doctors under Goa Association of Residents Doctors (GARD) protested against the Minister’s action; however, claimed that no services were affected on Monday as the patients were attended as and when required.
GARD led by Dr Kuttikar submitted a memorandum to GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar demanding that the suspension be revoked, a fair inquiry into the matter be initiated and an assurance that a similar incident would not be repeated in the future.
They also demanded a total ban on any form of videography including press/media in the patient care areas and also urged the authorities to put an end to VIP culture in the clinical setting.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday tried to control the damage by overruling the controversial decision and assured that the doctor will not be suspended. On Monday, however, he maintained complete silence.
Amid protests by senior doctors Rane, through a social media post, apologised for his behaviour, Rane took to social media, "My heartfelt apology to Dr Kuttikar for the harsh words I spoke during my visit to GMCH." "In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation," the minister said.
He stated that it was never his intention to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional.
"Doctors hold a sacred and noble position in our society. They work tirelessly to heal, to comfort, and to save lives," he said.
The minister said while he may have erred in his communication, his intent was always to ensure that no patient is denied timely care and that the public health system remains responsive and compassionate.
"However, I am equally concerned about the disruption in services at Goa Medical College, which is now impacting thousands of innocent patients," the minister wrote.
"The public is bearing the brunt of this situation, and I urge all our doctors to reflect on the larger responsibility we share for the welfare of our people," the minister said.
