Panaji: After a video appeared with the minister admonishing a senior doctor during a hospital visit, Vishwajit Rane issued a public apology, which led Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to overrule the minister’s decision to suspend the doctor.
It happened on June 6 at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, where Rane said Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, the senior physician, acted disrespectfully and provided poor care for patients. A viral video captured Rane yelling at Kuttikar, demanding an immediate suspension, and urging him to leave the school. It attracted much criticism because it happened in front of patients and staff.
To address the backlash, Rane admitted that what he said was too harsh even though he stood behind why he said it. He said his mother suffers from cancer, and this made him understand patients’ hardships. Despite my best intentions, the result was incorrect. I am sorry I hurt you.” He revoked the suspension and guaranteed adherence to the due process. The medical staff works hard without stopping. Sawant assured the media that they will discuss and handle all issues properly.
The group of resident doctors of Goa thoroughly disapproved of Rane’s actions, reporting that the public reprimand was humiliating and asking for an official apology. Such situations upset the people working in healthcare, commented Dr Sneha Naik. Many people on social media have noticed that Rane’s apology sounded obligatory. Respecting doctors is much better than ridiculing or shaming them. Others pointed out that Rane’s mother’s illness influenced his actions.
We can see in this episode that staff shortages as well as issues raised by patients often result in arguments. In the middle of the investigation, Rane’s apology and Sawant’s comments try to settle the situation, but the controversy prompts people to question leadership and treatment of workers in government.