In a surprising turn of events in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has intervened to overturn a suspension order issued by Health Minister Vishwajit
In a surprising turn of events in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has intervened to overturn a suspension order issued by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane against a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The decision, announced on June 8, 2025, follows a public outcry over a viral video showing Rane berating Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, the chief medical officer (CMO) of GMCH’s casualty department, for allegedly refusing treatment to a patient. Sawant’s move to reinstate the doctor has sparked debates about healthcare governance, ministerial authority, and the treatment of medical professionals in India’s public health system.
The controversy began on June 7, 2025, when Rane conducted a surprise inspection at GMCH in Bambolim. According to recent reports, the health minister received a complaint alleging that Dr. Kuttikar had advised a senior citizen to visit an urban health center for an injection rather than receiving it at GMCH’s casualty department. The incident, captured on video, showed Rane confronting the doctor, accusing him of arrogance and ordering his immediate suspension. The minister’s heated remarks, including demands for the doctor to “remove his mask” and “control his tongue,” quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from the public and medical community for what many perceived as an overreach of authority.
Public reaction was swift and vocal. Posts on social media platforms highlighted the humiliation faced by Dr. Kuttikar, with many users arguing that the health minister’s public reprimand was disproportionate. Doctors’ associations and citizens alike called for an apology, emphasizing the pressures faced by healthcare workers in public hospitals. The Indian Medical Association and other groups condemned the incident, arguing that such actions could demoralize medical professionals already stretched thin by demanding workloads and limited resources.
In response to the backlash, Chief Minister Sawant stepped in, announcing that Dr. Kuttikar would not be suspended. In a statement posted on X on June 8, 2025, Sawant said he had reviewed the issue and held discussions with Rane. “I want to assure the people of Goa that Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar will not be suspended,” he wrote, adding that the state government remains committed to ensuring the “highest standards of healthcare” for all citizens. Sawant also praised the “tireless efforts” of doctors, signaling an attempt to restore confidence in the state’s medical workforce.
The incident has raised broader questions about healthcare administration in Goa. Experts note that GMCH, one of the state’s premier medical institutions, often faces challenges such as overcrowding, staff shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. The decision to advise a patient to seek treatment at an urban health center, as Dr. Kuttikar allegedly did, may reflect these systemic issues rather than individual negligence. Critics argue that Rane’s initial reaction failed to address these underlying problems, instead placing blame on a single doctor. The health minister, defending his actions, stated that he was responding to a complaint about a lack of compassion in patient care, particularly on a public holiday when the casualty department had a low patient load.
Sawant’s intervention has been seen as a pragmatic move to defuse tensions and maintain public trust in Goa’s healthcare system. However, it also highlights tensions within the state’s leadership. The public disagreement between the chief minister and the health minister underscores the complexities of balancing accountability with support for medical professionals. Some analysts suggest that this episode could prompt a review of how complaints against healthcare workers are handled, advocating for fair inquiries over snap judgments.
As Goa navigates this controversy, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between administrative oversight and respect for the medical community. Dr. Kuttikar’s reinstatement has been welcomed by many, but the episode has sparked a broader conversation about improving patient care while supporting the doctors who deliver it. With public attention still focused on the issue, the state government faces the challenge of addressing systemic healthcare challenges to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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