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.
