Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday apologised for his behaviour towards a doctor after a video went viral where he was seen lashing at the doctor and ordering his suspension.
The video showing Goa Medical College and Hospital’s (GMCH) Chief Medical Officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar drew sharp criticism from the medical fraternity, with the Congress calling for his removal.
However, Rane has apologised for his behaviour at the CMO saying his “intent was right but words were wrong.”
“I agree that it was not appropriate in terms of the way I reacted. I could have called him and had a word with him separately. I would once again like to apologise to the doctor and his family if I have hurt his sentiments,” Rane said, according to India Today.
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“I want to apologise to the Indian Medical Association and the Chief Medical Officer. I understand the pain of the patient and I only stood up for them. My mother herself is a cancer patient, so I know what they go through. I don’t want to politicise this,” the minister added.
Rane is facing severe backlash from organisations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), which has threatened a strike.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday tried to control the damage by overruling the controversial decision.
Several medical unions, including the IMA Goa, condemned his behaviour, with GARD on Sunday setting a 48-hour deadline for the minister to apologise for his conduct.
The health minister had lashed out at GMCH’s chief medical officer (CMO), Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, for allegedly misbehaving with patients during his surprise visit to the premier facility on Saturday and ordered his suspension.
In a social media post, Rane wrote, “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 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.
Several doctors, including members of the IMA’s Goa unit, heads of departments of the GMCH, consultants, students and medical interns, staged a protest against Rane in front of the hospital in Bambolim.
Doctors also demanded that news cameras and media should not be allowed inside sensitive places such as the casualty ward.
The Congress has voiced support for the protesting doctors, demanding Rane’s ouster. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar, in a post on X, said the party has unwavering solidarity with the state’s doctors.
“When those who save lives are forced to hang up their stethoscopes and take to the streets, it’s not just a strike — it’s a cry for dignity, justice, and safety,” he said.
