The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) has officially called off its proposed statewide strike following a late-night meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on June 11, 2025. Dr. Aayush Sharma, GARD president, emphasized that their primary commitment remains towards patients, and they chose a path of peaceful dialogue to prevent disruption in healthcare services. The meeting was attended by the CM, Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajesh Patil and representatives from GARD and GMCH. During the meeting , CM Sawant urged the doctors to withdraw the strike and assured them that no disciplinary action would be taken against any medical professionals involved in the recent incident.
The controversy began after Health Minister Vishwajit Rane allegedly reprimanded CMO Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar on June 7. Although Rane issued an apology through media channels, Dr. Kurtikar had requested the apology be made in person at the casualty ward. However, GARD later acknowledged that a government officer cannot demand a minister’s presence in such a manner and clarified that the core issue was not personal but the disrespect shown to the medical profession.
To prevent future disruptions, the CM instructed the hospital authorities to ban photography and videography in patient care zones and install notices accordingly. CM Sawant responded by stating that his inquiries about patient conditions do not interfere with the care of other patients and stressed the importance of triage-based treatment.The CM also directed improvements in grievance redressal by forming a disciplinary committee headed by the Health Secretary, with the Dean, Medical Superintendent, and department heads as members to handle all complaints related to medical staff.
Additionally, Dr. Reshmarani Salelkar urged for the revival of the defunct GMCH Staff Society, a request that the CM asked the Dean to review. On the matter of safety, the CM assured the doctors of enhanced security at GMCH, including the immediate deployment of 50 armed police officers and a round-the-clock PSI-rank officer. A dedicated mobile contact number will also be shared with medical professionals to report emergencies or threats.Dr. Sharma concluded that the CM’s firm assurances regarding non-retaliation, increased security, and administrative reforms convinced the doctors to end their protest and return to full medical service across the state.