Doctors in Goa have paused their ongoing protest for one day following an apology from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The lawmaker had lost his cool during a surprise visit to the Goa Medical College and Hospital — lashing out at the chief medical officer for ‘misbehaving with a patient’ and suspending him. Videos of the interaction have since gone viral on social media, with many criticising the health minister for his handling of the situation.
“My heartfelt apology to Dr Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words spoken by me during my visit to GMC. In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation. It was never my intention to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional,” the BJP leader wrote in a lengthy social media post.
He also stressed the “noble” work of doctors in society and insisted that his intent had always been to “ensure that no patient is denied timely care”. Rane also warned against politicising the incident and turning a “turning a professional matter into a political confrontation” — calling for doctors to return to their duties. Protests had erupted after the incident with doctors issuing a 24-hour ultimatum on Monday for Rane to personally apologise to the senior doctor.
“Let us not allow the sanctity of GMC and its service to the people be diminished by external agendas. Our focus must remain steadfast on healing and helping. I appeal to our doctors to return to duty with the same passion and commitment that defines their profession. Disservice to the people of Goa, in any form, cannot be justified. Let us all rise above this moment, reaffirm our shared commitment to public health, and work together to ensure that no patient suffers due to misunderstandings or misplaced priorities,” he added.
What happened during the hospital visit?
Sources told PTI that Rane had received a complaint on his phone that a doctor was refusing to treat a patient and misbehaving during his visit. He was subsequently walked into the casualty ward of the hospital and pulled up the doctor for his alleged misbehaviour. A five-minute long video of the minister walking into the premises of GMCH and pulling up the doctor has since surfaced on social media.
“You learn to control your tongue, you are a doctor.” “I generally don’t lose my cool but you have to behave yourself. However loaded (burdened with work), you have to behave properly with patients. You are a doctor and here to serve the poor people,” he said.
Turning to GMCH medical superintendent Dr Patil, Rane said, “Replace him with another CMO, I will sign the file for his suspension. I want him to be suspended immediately, I usually don’t behave rude but I can’t tolerate this.”
(With inputs from agencies)
