Goa BJP government: Minister suspended the doctor, CM said – not at all
#News Bureau, June 8,2025
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane is once again embroiled in controversy. On Saturday, a video of his heated argument with a senior doctor at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) went viral on social media. Rane had ordered the immediate suspension of GMCH Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, but on Sunday Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reversed the decision and revoked the doctor’s suspension. This incident has created a stir in Goa’s politics.
On Saturday, Health Minister Rane made a surprise visit to the Bambolim campus of GMCH. During this, he received a complaint that a patient was denied treatment and Dr. Kuttikar allegedly misbehaved. The complaint was from a senior journalist who claimed that his mother-in-law was refused an injection in the casualty ward on a holiday.
After the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant intervened on Sunday. He tweeted, “I reviewed the matter of GMCH and discussed with the Health Minister. I assure the people of Goa that Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar will not be suspended.” Sawant also said that the state government and the medical team are committed to maintaining high health standards.
Vishwajit Rane defended his action, saying that he took the step in the interest of an elderly patient who was denied treatment. He wrote on social media, “I will not apologize for my stand, as I raised my voice for a helpless patient. However, my tone and words could have been more restrained.” Rane promised that such incidents would be avoided in the future.
The Congress called Rane’s behavior “shameful” and “abuse of power”. The Goa Congress tweeted, “This is not the first incident. Rane has a pattern of insulting doctors, nurses and health workers. The Chief Minister should immediately remove him from the Cabinet.” The Goa chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) also condemned Rane’s behaviour. The IMA issued a statement saying, “This is inappropriate and unacceptable. Any complaint should be resolved through a fair and transparent investigation. Publicly humiliating a doctor hurts the dignity of the medical community.”
The incident caught fire on social media. Many users criticised Rane’s “arrogant” style, while some supported his decision to stand up for his patient. One user wrote, “Suspending the doctor without a hearing is wrong. This is abuse of power.” At the same time, some praised Rane’s prompt intervention.The incident has exposed the differences within the Goa government, where the Chief Minister had to overturn the decision of his own Health Minister. The case not only raises questions about the accountability of health services, but also reflects the tension between the political leadership and the medical community. The public and the medical community are now demanding an impartial investigation into the matter so that the truth can come out.
