PANAJI
Facing severe backlash over his public outburst against Chief Medical Officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday issued an apology to the doctor and his family along with medical fraternity.
In an exclusive interview with Prudent Media, Rane extended his regrets to the doctor and his family, seeking to defuse the growing controversy. Rane also stated that he had no intention of hurting the medical fraternity.
"I have no ego, I had no intention to hurt the medical fertility. That said, I will always stand up for discipline at GMC," he maintained.
The minister, who had earlier announced he would initiate suspension proceedings against Dr Kuttikar, has now walked back from that position.
“Although I said that I am moving a file for the suspension of the doctor, I never went ahead with the procedure. So there is no question of suspension anymore,” he clarified.
The statement came hours after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that the medical officer would not he suspended.
Responding to criticism branding him as arrogant, Rane denied the charge. “I am not arrogant. I have seen power in my household since childhood. An elderly patient’s plight led to my reaction yesterday, and I regret the way I reacted,” he said.
Rane indicated that his urgency in making a public statement stemmed from political overtones surrounding the incident.
“Politics is being played on this sensitive issue, and it could eventually affect the functioning of the medical college. I do not want such controversies to demoralize the staff or disrupt GMC's operations,” the Minister said.
In a strong criticism to social media influencers, the Minister claimed that several non-Goans were amplifying the issue without understanding the context. “They should see what I have done for the health sector. I am the longest-serving health minister in Goa, and the biggest upgradation of health facilities happened during my tenure,” he asserted.
The controversy erupted on Saturday following Rane's sharp criticism of Dr Kuttikar, prompting widespread condemnation from various quarters including the medical fraternity, political leaders and also citizens.
