I wish to express my deep concern and dismay over the recent incident at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), involving the state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The recent so-called “surprise visit” by the Minister to the Casualty Ward has left many citizens shocked. What unfolded resembled a scene from a scripted film — complete with cameras, confrontation, and controversy. First and foremost, the presence of media and cameras in the Casualty Ward, was an outright violation of patients’ privacy and dignity. Secondly, the manner in which a doctor was confronted, asked to remove his protective mask, and berated in public, was not only unbecoming of a public representative but also dangerous in the context of ongoing health concerns like Covid-19. At a time when healthcare workers are overburdened and under-appreciated, such treatment is demoralizing and unacceptable. Most troubling of all was the literal overreach — when the Minister took the doctor’s chair to scold him. Our democracy rests on institutional respect, and this event sets a dangerous precedent of disregard. I urge fellow citizens and concerned authorities to stand in solidarity with our medical professionals, who deserve our support, not humiliation.
