Goa doctors threaten to shut down services after viral video of Health Minister Rane humiliating Dr Rudresh Kuttikar. Medical community demands a public apology.

Doctors Demand Public Apology from Goa Health Minister, Threaten Service Shutdown

Panaji, Goa – June 10, 2025 | By Special Correspondent

A political storm with potentially life-threatening consequences is brewing in Goa’s healthcare system as doctors, consultants, and medical students continue their protest at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), demanding a public apology from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The unrest stems from a now-viral video showing Minister Rane berating Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of GMCH, in front of patients and staff.

Despite a televised apology issued by the minister on Sunday, the medical community has rejected it as inadequate and cosmetic, dubbing it a "studio apology." The demand is clear: a formal, public apology at the same ward where the incident took place—or services will be shut down.

The Flashpoint: A Viral Moment of Public Humiliation

The controversy erupted over the weekend when Minister Rane conducted a surprise inspection at GMCH and publicly accused Dr. Kuttikar of misbehaving with an elderly patient. In the video that spread rapidly across social media, Rane is heard reprimanding Kuttikar in harsh terms:

“You learn to control your tongue, you are a doctor. I generally don’t lose my cool, but you have to behave yourself.”

The video ends with Rane ordering Kuttikar’s suspension on the spot. The immediate suspension—and the public nature of the reprimand—sent shockwaves across Goa’s medical community and beyond.

Medical Fraternity Unites in Protest

Within hours, the Goa chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a statement condemning the minister’s actions, calling them “demeaning and dangerous.” They demanded not only the revocation of the suspension order but also a structured inquiry based on facts rather than unilateral action.

Doctors, interns, and medical students at GMCH organized sit-ins and symbolic black ribbon protests starting Sunday morning. The mood has since shifted from outrage to resistance.

for every healthcare worker who deserves dignity at the workplace.”

The Apology That Wasn’t Enough

Facing mounting public criticism, Minister Rane issued an apology during a televised interview, stating:

“My intent was right, but the words were wrong… I agree it was not appropriate in the way I reacted. I would like to apologise to the doctor and his family.”

But for Kuttikar and his supporters, this wasn’t enough.

“An apology in front of a camera doesn’t undo a public insult,” said Dr. Kuttikar at a press conference on Monday. “If the minister truly regrets his actions, let him come back to the ward and apologise in front of those same patients and staff.”

He gave the state 24 hours to act, warning of a full-service shutdown if the demand isn’t met.

Chief Minister Intervenes, but Fire Still Burns

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant quickly intervened and overruled Kuttikar’s suspension, calling for calm and urging both parties to de-escalate the matter. While this move temporarily cooled tempers, it didn’t resolve the core grievance.

Insiders say a formal meeting was proposed between the minister and GMCH representatives, but doctors insist nothing short of a public apology will restore trust and dignity.

Meanwhile, GMCH Dean Dr. Shivanand Bandekar confirmed that the demand has been officially communicated to the minister's office.

In an unexpected twist, Bandekar also revealed that a police complaint would be filed against the person who recorded and circulated the video without permission, citing patient privacy and hospital protocol violations.

Impact on Public Health Services Looms

Goa’s public health system is already under strain, with GMCH being the state's largest tertiary care hospital. A strike or service halt could paralyze critical services like emergency care, surgery, and ICU operations.

The government faces a dual challenge: maintaining medical services and addressing the deeper issues of workplace respect and ministerial conduct. A healthcare shutdown—especially during monsoon season when vector-borne diseases peak—could prove disastrous.

“Doctors are not above accountability,” said a local civil society member, “but they certainly deserve dignity. This is about the tone of governance.”

A Bigger Debate on Political Conduct and Professional Dignity

The incident has reignited a broader conversation in India about the balance between political oversight and professional autonomy in healthcare. While politicians have the right—and duty—to inspect public facilities, critics argue that public humiliation crosses a line.

“This is not just about Goa or one minister,” said Dr. Pratik Vora, an IMA national spokesperson. “Across India, healthcare workers are increasingly under stress—not just from patient loads but from political interference and harassment.”

Social media has mirrored this sentiment, with hashtags like #RespectDoctors and #ApologiseRane trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Conclusion: Clock Ticks on Apology Deadline

As the 24-hour ultimatum nears its expiration, all eyes are on Minister Rane. Will he walk into GMCH and offer a heartfelt public apology? Or will Goa’s healthcare system face one of its most disruptive strikes in recent history?

For now, the doctors wait—not just for an apology, but for recognition of their professional dignity in an era where public service often comes with public scorn.

"We're healers, not scapegoats," Dr. Kuttikar said quietly, as his colleagues nodded in solidarity. "And we won't be silenced."