Goa Health Minister Defends Suspension of Doctor Over Patient Misconduct

Minister's Justification for Doctor's Suspension

The Health Minister of Goa, Vishwajit Rane, has stood firm on his decision to suspend a doctor from a government hospital, citing allegations of misconduct towards a patient.

On Saturday, Rane stated that he would not apologize for his actions, emphasizing that he took this step in support of the affected patient.

He revealed that a senior journalist had approached him with a complaint regarding the mistreatment of his mother-in-law by a doctor in the emergency department of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC).

Details About Goa Medical College and Hospital

Located in Bambolim, GMC is a large facility with over 1,000 beds, catering to patients from Goa as well as neighboring regions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

During an unannounced inspection on Saturday, Rane expressed his anger and ordered the suspension of Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar, the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital.

Later that evening, he addressed reporters, acknowledging that his demeanor had been harsh and his tone lacked restraint. He accepted responsibility for his behavior and assured that it would not happen again.

Minister's Stance on Patient Care

Rane asserted, "However, I will never apologize for standing up for a patient who was denied proper care."

He acknowledged that while doctors hold a respected position in society and most at GMC work diligently, it is crucial to take action when arrogance replaces empathy during their duties.