Goa CM rules out doctor's suspension day after Health Minister’s viral video berating him sparks uproar

Amid the huge uproar over Health Ministers viral video berating in which a doctor, Rudresh Kuttikar was reportedly suspended from Goa Medical College, state Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ruled out doctor's suspension.

Sawant taking to X, and wrote, “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.”

“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,” added.

What had happened?

Earlier on Saturday, a video of Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane losing his cool and ordering the suspension of a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) had gone viral.

Vishwajit Rane ordered the suspension of Dr Rudresh Kuttikar on Saturday. He visited the hospital for an inspection and received a complaint against Dr Kuttikar that the latter allegedly refused an injection to a patient. Rane's action drew criticism and outrage from the medical fraternity and the public.

The viral video showed Rane berating the senior doctor and said, as quoted by Indian Express, “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.”

Asking the medical superintendent to issue a suspension order, Rane had said, "…Kick him out of here.”

“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,” Rane said.

However, Rane later said he acted “in defence of a helpless, elderly woman”.

“…I accept that my tone and words could have been more measured. I’m not above reflection or criticism. I take full responsibility for how I communicated, and I assure you, such an approach will not be repeated,” he said in a post on X on Saturday night.

However, he added, “What I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care.”