Goa Health Minister Faces Doctor Backlash, Strike Looms Over Public Apology Demand

A potential strike looms over Goa Medical College, as doctors are demanding a public apology from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The crisis was sparked by an incident where Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, the Chief Medical Officer, was allegedly berated by the Minister during an inspection. The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) has joined the call for a public apology and supports the doctors’ strike threat if their demands are unmet. Dr. Kuttikar has rejected the Minister’s initial apology, insisting it should be delivered in the casualty department where the incident took place, and in front of the public. The disagreement originated from a situation involving a patient’s request for a B12 injection in the emergency department. The Dean of Goa Medical College is awaiting a response from the state health ministry regarding the doctors’ demands. The hospital has agreed to prohibit videography in patient treatment areas. The incident has provoked significant protest from medical staff.