A heated confrontation between Goa’s Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, and a senior medical officer at Goa Medical College Hospital (GMC) has reignited concerns over political interference, professional dignity, and patient care in public hospitals. The minister later admitted his tone was harsh, but stood by his intent.
Tension in the Casualty Ward: Minister Confronts Doctor Over Alleged Patient Neglect
In a scene that has triggered sharp criticism across Goa’s medical fraternity, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stormed into a hospital ward at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), reprimanding the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) over the alleged denial of care to a senior citizen.
The incident, captured on video, showed Rane admonishing the doctor in front of staff, demanding he remove his mask and take his hands out of his pockets. “You are a doctor. Don’t force me to act,” Rane was heard saying. Moments later, the CMO was reportedly suspended on the spot.
The minister later posted on X, defending his actions by saying he acted “in defence of a helpless, elderly woman” who was reportedly refused a pain-relief injection in the emergency ward on a public holiday, despite a low patient load.
However, as the video went viral, what followed was not just social media debate but institutional condemnation.
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Medical Community Reacts: Condemnation from the IMA and Calls for Dignity
The Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a strong statement and stated that it strongly condemns this unruly act by the Health Minister on their fellow colleague.
A senior IMA representative stated that they are not defending medical negligence, but there are protocols. Public humiliation of a senior doctor is unacceptable. Several doctors’ associations have called for the revocation of the CMO’s suspension and have urged the Chief Minister’s intervention to ensure non-political, ethical functioning of the public healthcare system.
Medical professionals say the incident has spotlighted a broader concern, the fragility of doctors’ autonomy and dignity in government institutions, where bureaucratic or political pressure often clashes with clinical discretion and operational limitations.
Minister Apologizes, But Defends Action
In a calibrated follow-up, Rane issued a public statement, expressing regret for the tone and manner of his outburst. He stated that he is not above reflection or criticism, that he takes full responsibility for how he communicated, and he assured that such an approach will not be repeated.
However, he stood firm on the principle behind the action: “What I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care. If we let such behaviour pass unaddressed, we send a message that it is acceptable to deny a senior citizen medical help.”
According to the message Rane shared, the patient, an elderly woman suffering from sciatica, was turned away at the casualty on the grounds that injections were not administered there unless it was an emergency. Rane’s team claims that this was in violation of basic patient-first ethics, given the patient’s pre-existing prescription.
While Rane’s defence may resonate with some sections of the public, his method of confrontation has drawn widespread ire and could set a troubling precedent for direct ministerial intervention in clinical settings.