On Monday evening, Goa Medical College (GMC) Dean and Medical Superintendent, along with medical students and members of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at his Altinho residence. The urgent meeting followed the controversy surrounding Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s public reprimand and suspension order against GMC’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, after a confrontation in the casualty ward.
During the discussion, the medical delegation submitted a list of 9–10 key concerns. CM Sawant assured them that these issues had been addressed and emphasized the government’s recognition of the crucial role played by healthcare professionals. To ease growing unrest, he also confirmed that Dr. Kuttikar would not be suspended—overruling the earlier directive issued by Health Minister Rane.
On the issue of a public apology, CM Sawant acknowledged that Minister Rane had already issued a statement of regret through the media. He expressed hope that this gesture would help put the matter to rest. However, doctors stood firm, insisting that the apology must be made in person by the minister, at the very site of the incident—the casualty block of GMC.
The meeting certainly marked a step toward reconciliation, with CM Sawant pledging to uphold the dignity and working environment of doctors across the state. Still, tensions linger as the medical fraternity awaits a direct and public apology on-site, warning that failure to meet this demand could reignite protests or service disruptions.