Goa minister apologises as GMCH doctors stage protest; Congress demands his ouster
Panaji (PTI): Amid protests by senior doctors of the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday apologised for his behaviour towards a doctor whose suspension he ordered in public view and said medical services should not be disrupted.
Doctors of the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) are holding a protest against the minister, while the opposition Congress has demanded his ouster over the incident that occurred at the GMCH on Saturday.
Rane is facing severe backlash from organisations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), which has threatened a strike.
He had lashed out at GMCH's chief medical officer (CMO), Dr Rudresh Kuttikar, for allegedly misbehaving with patients during his surprise visit to the premier facility on Saturday and ordered his suspension.
ALSO READ: Won't apologise for standing up for patient denied care: Goa Health minister Vishwajit Rane
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday tried to control the damage by overruling the controversial decision.
Several medical unions, including the IMA Goa, condemned his behaviour, with GARD on Sunday setting a 48-hour deadline for the minister to apologise for his conduct.
In a social media post, Rane wrote, "My heartfelt apology to Dr Kuttikar for the harsh words I spoke during my visit to GMCH."
"In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation," the minister said.
He stated that it was never his intention to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional.
"Doctors hold a sacred and noble position in our society. They work tirelessly to heal, to comfort, and to save lives," he said.
The minister said while he may have erred in his communication, his intent was always to ensure that no patient is denied timely care and that the public health system remains responsive and compassionate.
"However, I am equally concerned about the disruption in services at Goa Medical College, which is now impacting thousands of innocent patients," the minister wrote.
"The public is bearing the brunt of this situation, and I urge all our doctors to reflect on the larger responsibility we share for the welfare of our people," the minister said.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Rane had apologised for his behaviour and clarified that he never moved a file to suspend a doctor.
"I did not move the file. The issue has become a national one now," he said, adding that the matter has been churned into a different kind of scenario.
Several doctors, including members of the IMA's Goa unit, heads of departments of the GMCH, consultants, students and medical interns, staged a protest against Rane in front of the hospital in Bambolim.
The protesting doctors demanded a public apology from the minister and called to end the VIP culture at the GMCH.
Doctors also demanded that news cameras and media should not be allowed inside sensitive places such as the casualty ward.
A delegation of doctors also met GMCH's dean, Dr Shivanand Bandekar.
ALSO READ: Goa govt keeps on hold suspension of GMCH doctor following criticism
AAP leader Ramrao Wagh, who was at the protest site, said doctors are demanding a public apology from Rane. "I have heard that he (Rane) has apologised, but doctors are not happy with that kind of apology," he said.
The Congress has voiced support for the protesting doctors, demanding Rane's ouster. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar, in a post on X, said the party has unwavering solidarity with the state's doctors. "When those who save lives are forced to hang up their stethoscopes and take to the streets, it's not just a strike — it's a cry for dignity, justice, and safety," he said.
He said the real disease plaguing Goa is the BJP's intoxicated arrogance. "Vishwajit Rane's abuse of power has crossed all limits," he said. Patkar demanded action from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, saying, "Sack him now or face a mass revolt."
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New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup
Auckland, Jun 17 (PTI): New Zealand women's team captain and prolific all-rounder Sophie Devine will retire from the ODIs after the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The 35-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most prolific all-rounders in women's cricket, having amassed 3990 runs from 152 ODIs at an average of 31.66 with the help of eight centuries. She has also scored 3431 runs from 146 T20Is with one century.
She has also taken 107 and 119 wickets in the ODIs and T20Is respectively. She, however, has not played in any Test.
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS," said Devine in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.
Devine's statement came ahead of the announcement of the 17 centrally contracted players by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday. She will remain available for T20I cricket on a "casual playing arrangement" but will not be centrally contracted.
"It's important that everyone knows I'm focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away. I'm really excited by where this young group’s going and I'm looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months."
Her decision to retire after the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2 came after Devine took a break from cricket to prioritise her mental health in January. She will lead the team in the ODI World Cup in September.
Devine was permanent captain of the White Ferns in 2020, and has since led the team to new heights, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup victory last year.
NZC's head of women's high performance Liz Green said Devine had the organisation's full support.
"Sophie's given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career," Green said.
"We're pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the White Ferns on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full."
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the White Ferns.
"Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS. Supporting her move to a casual playing agreement will allow her to continue contributing to the WHITE FERNS environment," he said.
The White Ferns are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against seven-time champions Australia on October 1 in Indore.
