Doctor rejects Goa Health Minister’s ‘studio’ apology, demands public one at hospital
Panaji: Dr Rajesh Kuttikar, the casualty medical officer at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), has refused to accept Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s apology for publicly humiliating him during a surprise hospital visit last week. The incident, caught on camera and aired widely, triggered outrage in the medical community.
On June 9, Rane issued an apology via social media, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly extended my heartfelt apology to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words spoken by me during my visit to GMC.” He added that his emotions got the better of him and that he never intended to disrespect any medical professional.
However, Dr Kuttikar rejected the statement, calling it a “studio apology.” Speaking to reporters, he demanded a public apology at the same hospital site where the humiliation occurred. “We require a public apology in the casualty itself within 24 hours,” he said, warning that failure to do so would lead to a strike.
The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), which had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the minister, is likely to go ahead with a mass shutdown of routine services if their demand is not met. Emergency care will reportedly continue.
The controversy began on June 7 when Rane, during an unannounced inspection at GMCH, reprimanded Dr Kuttikar in front of cameras. The minister was reportedly angered after a patient seeking a Vitamin B-12 injection was turned away from the casualty ward, which is reserved for emergency care. During the confrontation, Rane ordered the doctor to remove his mask, take his hands out of his pockets, and “learn to behave.”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later clarified that Dr Kuttikar would not be suspended, but the issue has continued to escalate.
GARD also criticised the “VIP culture” interfering with emergency healthcare and reiterated that medical decisions must be based on triage and clinical urgency, not social or political status.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
