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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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.
