The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, threatening an indefinite strike if their demands are not met. The doctors have condemned the minister’s recent actions, in which  Dr Rudresh Kurtikar, a Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) at Goa Medical College was publicly humiliated and arbitrarily suspended. GARD called the recording and dissemination of the incident a "grave insult" to the medical fraternity, emphasizing that the profession is built on trust, mutual respect, and due process.

The incident occurred after Health Minister Rane ordered the suspension of Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar, following a complaint from a senior journalist alleging mistreatment of his mother-in-law. Rane defended his decision, stating he would not apologize for standing up for a patient who was denied care. However, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant later intervened, announcing on social media that after reviewing the issue and discussing it with the Health Minister, Dr. Kurtikar would not be suspended.

The Chief Minister wrote on X that he reviewed the issue at Goa Medical College and held discussions with the Health Minister, adding that Dr Kurtikar will not be suspended.

Despite this reversal, GARD has expressed deep dissatisfaction, stating that the public reprimand and suspension order have severely damaged the morale of healthcare workers. The association warned that such actions create a climate of fear, discouraging doctors from making critical decisions under pressure.

They have demanded the immediate and unconditional revocation of the suspension, a fair inquiry into the incident, and a public apology from the Health Minister. Additionally, GARD has called for an assurance that no healthcare professional will face similar treatment in the future, a ban on videography in patient care areas, and an end to VIP culture in hospitals where treatment is prioritized based on social or political status rather than medical urgency.

GARD has announced a silent black armband protest and warned that if their demands are not met within 48 hours, they will escalate to a full strike. The association stressed that while they remain committed to patient care, they will not tolerate the erosion of professional dignity. The Chief Minister’s intervention has temporarily eased tensions, but the standoff continues as doctors seek stronger safeguards against arbitrary disciplinary actions. The situation remains tense, with the possibility of a healthcare disruption looming if no resolution is reached.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the treatment of medical professionals and the influence of political interference in healthcare.