Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 8: The Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Goa branch has come out strongly against state health minister Vishwajit Rane, condemning his public outburst against a doctor at the Goa Medical College (GMC), which was caught on camera and followed by the doctor's immediate suspension.

Calling it an ‘emotional assault,’ the IMA said it was ‘deeply disturbed’ and ‘profoundly disappointed’ by the minister’s ‘unacceptable’ and ‘unruly’ behaviour. In a strongly worded statement, IMA-Goa president Dr Dattaram Dessai said the minister’s actions “bypassed due process and natural justice” and undermined the dignity of the medical profession.

The incident involved Rane verbally lashing out at a doctor and ordering his suspension over an alleged refusal to administer a non-emergency B12 injection to one of the minister’s acquaintances. “Suspending a senior doctor on duty without giving him a chance to explain and humiliating him in front of media and patients is nothing short of victimisation,” the IMA stated.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also reacted sharply, threatening nationwide protests if a public apology is not issued by the minister. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, with copies to the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister, FAIMA said, “No doctor should be forced to violate medical protocols under political pressure.”

The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association’s Goa chapter also expressed deep concern, saying the minister’s behaviour sets a dangerous precedent that could fuel hostility toward healthcare professionals.

The associations have demanded immediate revocation of the suspension and a formal apology to uphold the dignity of the medical community.