Rising trend of scapegoating doctors for administrative failures, says Maharashtra doctors’ association

Goa: Doctors withdraw protest against State Health Minister after CM Pramod Sawant intervenes

Doctors at the Goa Medical College and Hospital have withdrawn their protest against Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, following an assurance from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that their demands would be addressed.
| Video Credit:
The Hindu

The Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors’ Association (MSRDA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the public suspension of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar at the Goa Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. Though the suspension was later revoked by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the MSRDA said the incident had dealt a severe blow to the morale and dignity of government doctors across the country. 

President of the association, Dr. Abhijit Helge said there had been a rising trend of scapegoating doctors for administrative failures. “We appeal for national safeguards, including strict protocols for suspensions, grievance redress systems, and zero-tolerance for political intimidation of medical professionals. The association stands united in seeking justice and respect for India’s healthcare backbone,” said Dr. Helge.  

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane speaks to a doctor during a visit to Goa Medical College and Hospital, on June 7, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

The association has appealed to the Prime Minister, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and all dignitaries in governance to issue strict guidelines and protocols to prevent public defamation or suspension of medical officers without due process and inquiry; institutionalise grievance redress mechanisms where medical professionals can report harassment from any authority without fear of reprisal; and enforce zero-tolerance policies against any political or administrative individual who uses acts of intimidation or public spectacle to gain publicity at the expense of healthcare workers.  

On June 7, 2025, the CMO of the GMCH was suspended in front of the public, allegedly, without any prior inquiry, unverified reasons or explanation, by the State’s Health Minister. Mr. Rane publicly insulted and criticised the CMO and the entire act was captured over a video that later went viral on social media platforms. Following this incident, hospital services were shut down except for emergency care as a protest against the political power. Addressing a press conference, Dr. Kuttikar said he was humiliated by the Minister in the casualty ward on June 7. “Unless the Minister offers a public apology at the same location where he humiliated me in front of public, we will shut down all services at the hospital except emergency care.” 

At this juncture, a day later, Chief Minister Mr. Sawant intervened and assured that the CMO would not be suspended.  Doctors’ association said even though the Chief Minister overturned the CMO’s suspension, the damage to the dignity of the medical officer, and by extension, to the institution and to the profession, was already done. Doctors continue to be on strike in Goa. 

‘Disturbing trend’

Dr. Sarbik De, General Secretary of the MSRDA said, “This episode is not merely a bureaucratic misstep; it is emblematic of a disturbing trend where doctors are made scapegoats for administrative or political gain. The very public nature of this humiliation, without due inquiry or protocol, sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a chilling message that the immense dedication and integrity with which doctors serve society can be disregarded in an instant.”  

The letter said the government doctors were the backbone of India’s healthcare system. From remote rural primary health centres (PHCs) to the emergency rooms of overcrowded urban hospitals, they serve selflessly — often working 48-hour shifts, making life-and-death decisions, managing epidemics, and sacrificing personal comfort and family time, all for the greater good. 

“They are trained for over a decade before they can stand independently as specialists. Yet, despite their noble service, they are increasingly being subjected to verbal abuse, physical assaults, threats, and now, public humiliation by individuals in power,” the letter read.  

Dr. Jay Jamolkar, State Coordinator of MSRDA, said the GMCH incident was not isolated. “It is reminiscent of earlier instances, the assault on junior doctors in Kolkata in 2019 that led to nationwide protests; the manhandling of doctors in Telangana; the public blaming of frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19. In all such instances, it was only after substantial outrage that steps were taken. Should it always take agitation before justice?” 

The association said it stood in unconditional solidarity with the doctors of the GMCH and echoed their just and dignified demand that the Health Minister of Goa personally apologise at the hospital, particularly in the Casualty Department, where doctors continue to serve under extreme pressure and risk. “We firmly believe that such an apology, made at the ground level, will not be an act of submission, but a powerful statement that our leaders value and respect the medical profession. It will go a long way in healing the wounds of this incident, and in restoring trust between administrators and caregivers,” Dr. Helge said.