Goa Doctors Threaten Strike Over Health Minister’s Conduct

Doctors at Goa Medical College (GMC), led by CMO Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar, are threatening to strike unless Health Minister Vishwajit Rane issues a public apology. The controversy arises from an alleged incident where the minister publicly criticized Dr. Kuttikar during an inspection at the casualty department. The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) is backing the doctors’ demand for the apology and strike action if their demand is not met. The initial incident involved a dispute about a B12 injection request in the emergency room. Dr. Kuttikar has rejected the minister’s initial apology, demanding that it occur publicly at the location of the incident. The Dean of the Medical College informed the state health ministry about the doctors’ demands. The hospital has agreed to a ban on videography in patient treatment areas. The situation has led to large protests from doctors, interns, and medical students at GMC.