A day after Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane directed the suspension of a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday that the doctor would not be suspended. “I have reviewed the issue at Goa Medical College and held discussions with the health minister. I want to assure the people of Goa that Dr Rudresh Kurtikar will not be suspended,” the chief minister posted on X. He added, “The state government and our dedicated medical team remain fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of healthcare for every citizen. We also appreciate the tireless efforts and invaluable service of our doctors, who continue to save lives.” A video showing health minister Rane confronting a senior doctor at GMCH during a surprise visit went viral. The incident reportedly happened after Rane received a complaint that a doctor was refusing to treat a patient and had spoken improperly. The doctor in the video was Dr Rudresh, Chief Medical Officer of GMCH. In the video, Rane is heard saying, “You learn to control your tongue. You are a doctor. Don’t force me to act. Keep your hands out (of your pockets) when you are standing in front of me. I generally don’t lose my cool, but you have to behave yourself. However loaded (burdened) you may be, you will talk properly to the patients and guide the patients… Remove the mask when I am speaking to you.” Rane then directed the medical superintendent to suspend the doctor, saying, “…Kick him out of here.” He continued, “You are not authorised to speak when I am speaking. You get out of here. You are a doctor to serve the poor. I am suspending you… You just understand one thing, you are dealing with me. First, learn to shut up when I am talking to you. You can be anything. You want to file a case, go and file a case, but I am telling you, you are suspended.” Later on Saturday evening, Rane spoke to the media and said, “Yes, as the health minister, I did intervene and I accept that my tone and words could have been more measured. I am not above reflection or criticism. I take full responsibility for how I communicated, and I assure you such an approach will not be repeated.” “However, what I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care,” he added.
