Vishwajit Rane, the Health Minister of Goa, apologized to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, the Chief Medical Officer of GMC, after publicly reprimanding him during an unannounced visit. This incident triggered significant backlash and accusations of unprofessional conduct.
In a social media statement, the Health Minister acknowledged regretting his approach and expressed concern that the issue was being exploited politically, with opposition parties demanding his dismissal. He acknowledged the importance of doctors and their contribution, while maintaining his intent was always to prioritize patient care and ensure the healthcare system functioned effectively.
He further addressed the disruption in services at GMC, stressing the impact on patients. The Minister appealed to doctors to fulfill their duties with dedication and commitment, arguing that any neglect of duty would be detrimental to the people of Goa. The Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, ultimately intervened to ensure that Dr. Kuttikar was not suspended.