PANAJI: Chief Medical Officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar has demanded a public apology from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane at the Goa Medical College (GMC) casualty ward, warning that failure to do so within 24 hours will lead to a shutdown of hospital services, excluding emergencies.
“I was humiliated by the Minister in the casualty on June 7. As my humiliation went viral, his apology must also be public and viral, and it must happen in the same place,” Dr Kuttikar said at a press briefing today. “If not, we will shut down all services except emergencies.”
Dr Kuttikar's demand adds to the support from the doctors' fraternity, who also sought a public apology from the minister.
HM Rane had a public outburst against Kuttikar during a surprise visit to the GMC casualty, reportedly over a non-emergency Vitamin B12 injection. Rane also announced that suspension proceedings would be initiated, sparking backlash from the medical community.
Though the Minister later apologised in a televised interview and reiterated his regret in a post on X, doctors have rejected what they call a “studio apology.” They insist the Minister must return to the casualty and apologise on camera before staff and patients.
Protest action has already disrupted GMC’s routine operations, with support pouring in from the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), faculty members, students, interns, and national medical bodies, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
“We have submitted a memorandum to the Dean and will take further steps in consultation with all stakeholders,” doctors said, hinting that even emergency services may be suspended if demands are not met.
“We are here for patients, not against them,” Kuttikar added. “Even on the day of the incident, I stayed on duty till 2.30 pm, despite being asked to leave.”
