Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane came under fire after a surprise visit to Goa Medical College and Hospital when he was caught publicly berating and ordering the suspension of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar. The incident, captured in a now viral video, was due to a complaint by the victim’s family member alleging that Dr. Kuttikar refused to administer an injection to a patient who required that dose regularly. The apparent patient load at the time was said to be minimal, making it a case of withholding medical care and compassion, a case that deeply upset the minister. Rane was seen, telling the doctor to ‘control your tongue’. He also turned to another person asking him to ‘kick him (the doctor) of here’ thereby drawing widespread criticism for his tone and lack of due process. The doctor had tried to offer explanation but was denied and cut off by an angry Rane who ordered him to ‘remove his mask’ when talking to the minister.
Rane defended his actions by saying that he would not apologize for advocating for a patient who was denied care. He said that he did what he had done to defend a helpless, elderly woman. He later admitted his “tone and words could have been more measured,” however. The Indian Medical Association’s Goa branch has condemned Rane’s conduct as an ’emotional assault’ arguing that it was unnecessary and bypassed natural justice, demoralising the medical community. The Goa Association of Resident Doctors has issued a 48hr ultimatum, threatening to go on an indefinite strike if Rane did not apologize publicly.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant intervened to overrule Rane’s suspension order. He assured the public that Dr. Kuttikar would not be suspended. The Congress labeled Rane’s actions as ‘arrogant’ and demanded accountability. Many view Rane’s actions as theatrical instead of actually aimed at protecting patient’s rights.
Rane has since issued a public apology to Dr. Kuttikar, acknowledging that his emotions overtook expression, but backed up his stance against indiscipline in healthcare.
