After a late-night meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), the doctors unanimously decided to call off the planned statewide strike.
Representing resident doctors across Goa, GARD’s president, Dr. Aayush Sharma, stated that the decision prioritizes public health and aims to avoid disruptions in patient care. He emphasized the doctors’ unwavering commitment to their patients and their choice to pursue dialogue over confrontation to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.
The meeting included Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dean Dr. Shivanand M. Bandekar, Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajesh T. Patil, GARD members, and other GMCH doctors. Chief Minister Sawant urged the doctors to withdraw the strike, assuring them no false charges or punitive actions would follow the recent incident.
Regarding the controversy, the CM noted that Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had already issued a public apology through regional and national media, which should be sufficient. However, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar, who was verbally abused by the minister on June 7, had demanded an on-site apology at the casualty ward. Doctors later agreed this was not feasible, stressing the issue was not just personal but about respect for the office and treatment of government doctors by authorities.
The CM instructed strict bans on videography and photography in patient care areas, with clear signage to be installed. On allegations of V.I.P. culture influencing treatment, GARD’s president firmly rejected any political intimidation toward doctors.
The CM clarified that checking on specific patients does not undermine care for others, urging treatment strictly based on severity and triage protocols.
To improve hospital management, the CM ordered the establishment of a grievance redressal system and a disciplinary committee, chaired by the health secretary with key hospital officials as members, to handle complaints involving medical staff.
Additionally, Dr. Reshmarani Salelkar requested reactivation of a Staff Society for GMCH consultants and staff, inactive for 15 years, which the CM agreed to consider.
Dr. Sharma confirmed that the CM assured no wrongful action would be taken against doctors involved in the recent events. Security measures for medical staff at GMCH will be strengthened, including deploying 50 armed police personnel immediately and stationing a PSI rank officer around the clock. The police will also provide a dedicated mobile number for medical professionals to report complaints promptly.
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