TransHindon , Delhi & Noida Extn Issues

Over the last few hours, a lot has been said and written about an incident at Goa Medical College today involving and suspending a doctor on duty. I feel it is important to address this directly, not just as your Health Minister, but as someone deeply committed to ensuring that no citizen is ever denied basic medical care, especially the elderly who deserve our utmost respect and attention. I received a message from a concerned family member about how a senior citizen already in pain and medically advised to receive daily injections was refused the injection at GMC casualty on a public holiday. What made the matter worse was that the casualty had minimal patient load at the time, and yet, a simple act of compassion and care was withheld. I found this deeply upsetting. Yes, as the Health Minister, I did intervene and I accept that my tone and words could have been more measured. I’m not above reflection or criticism. I take full responsibility for how I communicated, and I assure you, such an approach will not be repeated. However, what I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care. Doctors hold a noble position in society, and most of them at GMC serve with great dedication. But when arrogance seeps into duty, when compassion is replaced with indifference, it is my responsibility to take action. Because if we let such behaviour pass unaddressed, we send a message that it is acceptable to deny a senior citizen or any other person medical help. That cannot happen in a government hospital that is meant to serve the public. There is often outrage highlighted on the same media platforms and among public when things go wrong at GMC “Doctors don’t care, nurses don’t listen, no one takes responsibility. We were made to wait for basic treatment.” And rightly so. But when corrective action is taken, it is equally important that we support efforts to fix the system, not tear them down. I did what I did in defence of a helpless, elderly woman. And I will continue to speak up, act, and fight for the rights of every patient who walks into our hospital. Let us strive together for better services, more empathy, and a culture of healing that respects both the medical profession and the patients we are here to serve. @prudentgoa @InGoa24x7