In a dramatic twist to a controversy that sparked outrage across Goa’s medical and political circles, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday overruled Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s decision to suspend a senior doctor from the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). This came after Rane publicly berated Chief Medical Officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar during a surprise visit and ordered his suspension — an act that was captured on video and went viral, triggering immediate backlash.
Facing severe criticism from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), opposition parties including Congress, AAP, and the Revolutionary Goans Party, and sections of the public, the chief minister moved swiftly to contain the fallout. He held a meeting with Rane in Panaji and later issued a statement assuring that Dr Kuttikar would not be suspended without a fair inquiry.
Taking to X, CM Sawant reaffirmed support for Goa’s medical professionals, saying, “Dr Rudresh Kuttikar will not be suspended. We value the tireless efforts of our doctors who continue to save lives every day.”
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 Kuttikar will not be suspended.
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 8, 2025
The State Government and our dedicated medical team remain fully committed to ensuring the highest…
The incident unfolded on Saturday when Rane, responding to a phone complaint, stormed into GMCH’s casualty ward and confronted Dr Kuttikar over alleged mistreatment of a patient. In the video, Rane can be heard scolding the doctor, saying, “You have to behave properly with patients. I generally don’t lose my cool, but this cannot be tolerated,” before instructing GMCH superintendent Dr Patil to replace Kuttikar and initiate suspension proceedings.
The IMA called the act “unacceptable,” demanding immediate revocation of the suspension and a fair hearing. Opposition leaders slammed Rane’s conduct as “arrogant” and unbecoming of a minister.
Under intense pressure, Rane admitted he “overreacted,” acknowledging his tone was inappropriate, but stopped short of an apology. “I accept that my words could have been more measured. But I will not apologise for standing up for a patient denied care,” he said, while reiterating that doctors must balance dedication with compassion.
The GMCH, a 1,000-bed state-run hospital in Bambolim, serves patients from Goa and neighbouring parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The incident has reignited debates about political overreach in public institutions, ministerial conduct, and the rights of medical professionals.
