'Had meeting with doctors, passed all 7 of their demands': Goa CM on GMC doctors' strike
Goa's medical fraternity called off their strike after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant accepted their seven demands, addressing concerns over Health Minister Vishwajit Rane's verbal abuse of a senior doctor. The government signed an MOU, promising increased security measures and a commitment to prevent future incidents.
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Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the state government accepted all seven demands put forth by the medical fraternity at the Goa Medical College GMC ) who had been protesting against State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for allegedly using harsh language with a senior doctor.After meeting protesting doctors at Goa Medical College, Goa CM Pramod Sawant said, "They (doctors) had given us a 48-hour intimation. Yesterday I had a meeting with the doctors. They presented their demands to me. I passed all 7 of their demands.""Such incidents should not happen again. The committee, henceforth, should be headed by Secretary Health, Dean MS and concerned Head of Department. For Police protection purpose, at our Police outpost here, PSI will be deputed and additional 50 Police personnel will be deputed at the casualty level, at the emergency level and including the ICU level in the interest of people," he added.The Goa Chief Minister also thanked the doctors for ending the strike and said, "I thank the doctors for calling off their strike. As a Chief Minister, I will also keep looking into the matter from time to time."Goa doctors on Tuesday called off their planned strike against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who used harsh language against Dr Rudresh Kuttikar during a visit to the Goa Medical College and Hospital.The Minister was accused of humiliating and disrespecting the senior doctor during an inspection.A massive protest broke out at Goa Medical College (GMC) on Monday as doctors, Heads of Departments, interns, and medical students united in anger against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.The doctors at the GMC demanded a public apology and an end to the VIP culture in hospitals.Following this, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near Panaji to address the concerns of protesting doctors.During the visit, he assured the doctors that their demands would be met, paving the way for resolving the ongoing dispute.A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the doctors and the government. The MOU outlines the terms agreed upon by both parties, paving the way for improved hospital safety and security measures."A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed, outlining the terms agreed upon by both parties.Increased Security: Additional police force and security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of doctors and hospital staff. The government has assured that there will be no tolerance for abuse or threats towards doctors and hospital staff. The doctors have emphasised that patient care will not be compromised and will remain their top priority", said Dr Ayush Sharma (President, Goa Association of Resident Doctors )."We thank the Chief Minister for his timely intervention and for working towards the betterment of the people of Goa. We have decided to call off the strike and will continue to provide medical services without any obstruction," added Dr Ayush Sharma.Speaking to ANI, one of the doctors, Pratik Sawant, said, "The doctors of GMC strongly condemn the verbal abuse of our colleague that happened in the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Department's casualty on Saturday."In response to the backlash, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane expressed regret over his behaviour in a post on X."During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly apologised to Dr Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words I spoke during my visit to GMC. In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret how I addressed the situation. I never intended to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional," Rane wrote.
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The Print
a day ago
- The Print
Goa health minister's outburst at doctor adds to CM Sawant's troubles amid power tussles in state BJP
Two weeks earlier, Goa Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude raised corruption charges against the Sawant-led tribal welfare department, triggering a political storm and later backtracking by saying that he was commenting on the department officials, not the CM. Since assuming office for a second term, the CM Sawant-led government has been facing the heat from power tussles within the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Vishwajit Rane, who has had a history of rows with the CM, is the latest BJP leader to have created a troubling situation for Sawant. New Delhi: After Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was caught on camera publicly reprimanding a senior doctor last week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has attempted to stop a state-wide doctors' strike by overruling a suspension order Rane had called for against the senior doctor. The latest controversy arose when Rane visited the Goa Medical College, where he chided the chief medical officer, Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, for what the minister perceived as misbehaviour with a patient and ordered his immediate suspension. A viral video shows Rane shouting: 'Kick him out … you will not be here with your bloody ego and learn to control your tongue. You are a doctor. Put your hand out of your pocket when you are standing before me. I usually do not lose my cool, but you have to behave. Remove the mask [that doctors wear] when I am talking. Give your explanation when an investigation starts. Then, I will consider them, or you will be suspended for two years.' Rane then asked the medical superintendent to issue a suspension order against the CMO. Soon after, the video went viral, and in the absence of the doctor's version of what had happened, it created a political storm. Goa Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned Rane and threatened to start a strike, and CM Sawant had to step in to limit the damage. Overruling the suspension order, CM Sawant Sunday said, 'I 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 does not face a suspension.' IMA has demanded a public apology from Rane. However, after Rane apologised, IMA termed it as a 'studio apology', calling for the minister to publicly apologise in the hospital casualty department—the same place where he had rebuked the CMO. Amid the doctors protesting against Rane, CM Sawant held a meeting with the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) Monday night, when he agreed to accept nine demands of GARD and the Goa Medical College Doctors' Union. Speaking to ThePrint, BJP state president Damodar Naik told ThePrint, 'The minister has made an apology, and the chief minister has made efforts to listen to the doctors' demands, resolve the crisis, and accept most of their demands. Doctors should be respected; there is no doubt about that.' In his latest move, CM Sawant visited the Goa Medical College Tuesday to make peace with the agitating doctors. His assurances made them call off their planned strike, but they are still expecting the health minister to communicate a formal apology for his behaviour. Also Read: Goa's Pramod Sawant govt faces heat from within—files 'handled in secret', tribal bhavan in limbo Vishwajit Rane vs CM Sawant It is not the first time that Vishwajit Rane has caused an embarrassing moment for Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Rane, the son of former chief minister Pratap Singh Rane and five-time MLA, has been a chief ministerial aspirant since joining the BJP. During COVID-19, when thousands of people died in Goa due to oxygen shortage, CM Sawant took a dig at Rane, saying the crisis was due to the mismanagement of the Goa Medical College. Rane hit back at the chief minister, saying he was misguided and demanded a high court probe into the crisis. Rane also clashed with the CM in a cabinet meeting in May 2021 after Pramod Sawant pointed out oxygen mismanagement. Rane left the meeting midway and did not attend meetings on oxygen supply for several weeks. The Goa High Court reprimanded CM Sawant and Rane during hearings on public interest litigations regarding the pandemic, saying, 'This is not the time for politics.' Again, after the 2022 assembly poll results, Rane's wife, Deviya Rane, also an MLA from Poriem, told the media, 'Her husband, Vishwajit, is ready to take over as CM as he has 15 years of experience.' Rane, who holds a crucial portfolio, visited Delhi and met party leaders to promote his candidature, as well. The BJP high command, however, did not favour him, and Pramod Sawant became CM for the second time. Rane defected from Congress in 2017 when he also engineered defections of two Congress MLAs to the BJP, to cushion the party in the 40-member Goa assembly. After CM Manohar Parrikar died, Rane hoped to get the top post. However, while the BJP leadership considered his name, it selected Pramod Sawant, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader, who had grown within the BJP cadre, for the top post. One BJP MLA told ThePrint: 'The problem of the BJP in Goa is that only a handful of MLAs come from an original RSS ideological background—unlike in other states. Most are from Congress and other parties. They see themselves as chief minister claimants and do not have what is required to follow BJP-like discipline. They also no longer have a figure, such as Parrikar, who commanded widespread respect in Goa BJP. That is why they undermine Pramod Sawant, who keeps a relatively low profile.' BJP vs BJP in Goa Vishwajit and Gaude, however, are not the only ministers to have troubled CM Sawant. His government has been facing opposition from within the party and reeling under intra-party rivalries since before his second tenure started. Earlier, at an event, Gaude said: 'A huge amount of taxpayers' money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. When it fails to organise any programmes efficiently, it shows a lack of government control over the administration.' CM Sawant threatened action against Gaude to dissuade him from further making such statements. Former minister and senior leader Pandurang Madkaikar, this year, told the media, 'All ministers are minting money in Goa. I had to pay between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh to a minister for a small task. It is not corruption but loot.' Launching an attack on him, his party colleague, Goa Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, claimed that Madkaikar was making up the corruption charges. In January this year, former MLA Farrel Furtado brought allegations of a 'cash-for-job scam' in the state, and the Enforcement Directorate is currently investigating the same. Former PWD minister and MLA Nilesh Cabral, in the same month, criticised CM Sawant for stalled projects in Curchorem constituency, where Cabral is the MLA. In March this year, when party general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh visited Goa, some MLAs, including Gaude, complained to him about BJP ministers allegedly indulging in corruption. A month before the 2022 assembly elections, Satya Pal Malik, former Goa Governor from November 2019 to August 2020, said his removal from Goa before the party sent him to Meghalaya had come because of his corruption charges against the CM Sawant-led government. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Goa didn't choose to become a casino city—now it's a state-sponsored moral gamble
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
'Had meeting with doctors, passed all 7 of their demands': Goa CM on GMC doctors' strike
Goa's medical fraternity called off their strike after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant accepted their seven demands, addressing concerns over Health Minister Vishwajit Rane's verbal abuse of a senior doctor. The government signed an MOU, promising increased security measures and a commitment to prevent future incidents. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the state government accepted all seven demands put forth by the medical fraternity at the Goa Medical College GMC ) who had been protesting against State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for allegedly using harsh language with a senior meeting protesting doctors at Goa Medical College, Goa CM Pramod Sawant said, "They (doctors) had given us a 48-hour intimation. Yesterday I had a meeting with the doctors. They presented their demands to me. I passed all 7 of their demands.""Such incidents should not happen again. The committee, henceforth, should be headed by Secretary Health, Dean MS and concerned Head of Department. For Police protection purpose, at our Police outpost here, PSI will be deputed and additional 50 Police personnel will be deputed at the casualty level, at the emergency level and including the ICU level in the interest of people," he Goa Chief Minister also thanked the doctors for ending the strike and said, "I thank the doctors for calling off their strike. As a Chief Minister, I will also keep looking into the matter from time to time."Goa doctors on Tuesday called off their planned strike against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who used harsh language against Dr Rudresh Kuttikar during a visit to the Goa Medical College and Minister was accused of humiliating and disrespecting the senior doctor during an inspection.A massive protest broke out at Goa Medical College (GMC) on Monday as doctors, Heads of Departments, interns, and medical students united in anger against Health Minister Vishwajit doctors at the GMC demanded a public apology and an end to the VIP culture in this, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near Panaji to address the concerns of protesting the visit, he assured the doctors that their demands would be met, paving the way for resolving the ongoing dispute.A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the doctors and the government. The MOU outlines the terms agreed upon by both parties, paving the way for improved hospital safety and security measures."A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed, outlining the terms agreed upon by both Security: Additional police force and security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of doctors and hospital staff. The government has assured that there will be no tolerance for abuse or threats towards doctors and hospital staff. The doctors have emphasised that patient care will not be compromised and will remain their top priority", said Dr Ayush Sharma (President, Goa Association of Resident Doctors )."We thank the Chief Minister for his timely intervention and for working towards the betterment of the people of Goa. We have decided to call off the strike and will continue to provide medical services without any obstruction," added Dr Ayush to ANI, one of the doctors, Pratik Sawant, said, "The doctors of GMC strongly condemn the verbal abuse of our colleague that happened in the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Department's casualty on Saturday."In response to the backlash, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane expressed regret over his behaviour in a post on X."During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly apologised to Dr Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words I spoke during my visit to GMC. In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret how I addressed the situation. I never intended to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional," Rane wrote.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Goa doctors call off the State-wide strike and protest against State Health Minister
After a meeting held late in the evening on Tuesday (June 11, 2025), with the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) said that they have unanimously decided to call off the impending statewide strike. Also Read | Rising trend of scapegoating doctors for administrative failures, says Maharashtra doctors' association GARD represents the unified voice of resident doctors across the State. Dr. Aayush Sharma, president of GARD, said that this decision was made in the paramount interest of public health and to prevent any disruption to patient care. 'We wish to reiterate that our commitment to our patients remains our foremost priority, contrary to any insinuations from third parties. We have chosen the path of dialogue and de-escalation to ensure that vital healthcare services for the Goan public continue uninterrupted,' Dr. Sharma said. At a meeting with the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dean Dr. Shivanand M. Bandekar, medical superintendent Dr. Rajesh T. Patil and members of GARD and doctors from GMCH, the Goa CM requested doctors to withdraw their strike and assured no repercussion or action will be false against any doctors due to the incident. In the meeting, the CM mentioned that a public apology has already been given by the Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, in the regional and national news channels and that should suffice. However, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar, who was abused by the minister on June 7, insisted for a public apology at the same casualty ward. But later the doctors said that it was decided that such a demand cannot be made as a government officer cannot ask a minister to come over to his office and apologise. 'This is not about the minister in power abusing publicly to Dr. Kurtikar, but it is about the insult of the chair and the way government doctors are treated by the people in power,' the doctors' association said. During the meeting, the CM directed the Dean and Medical Superintendent for strict prohibition of videography and photography at the patient care area of the hospital and asked them to put up posters in the relevant areas. On the V.I.P. culture, the CM asked the doctors' association to explain to which, GARD president said, 'Threatening the doctors by giving references of political power will not be entertained.' The CM said, 'Even when I call to find out about the condition of a certain patient, it does not mean I am compromising the treatment of other serious patients. I advise treating all patients on a severity basis depending upon triaging.' The CM asked the Dean to enhance grievance redressal system at the hospital and constitute a disciplinary committee headed by the health secretary as a Chairman, Dean and Medical Superintendent as a member and head of the respective department as a fourth member to issue any complaints received for or against medical professionals. During the meeting, Dr. Reshmarani Salelkar requested the formation of a Staff Society for all consultants and staff of GMCH, which has been defunct for the last 15 years. The CM directed the Dean to consider the same. 'The CM assured us that no repercussions or action will be false against any doctors due to this particular incident. He also reviewed the security of medical professionals at the GMCH and assured them to strengthen the security. He agreed to the Dean's proposal to post armed police at various sensitive zones of GMCH and said he would depute 50 armed policemen with immediate effect. The CM directed the police department to post a PSI rank officer around the clock and advised them to share a common mobile number to attend all complaints from the medical professions in Goa,' Dr. Sharma said.
