Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam has retracted an advisory issued to women doctors and staffers, advising them to avoid isolated places at night.
The advisory, issued in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College, sparked protests among students and healthcare workers, leading to its cancellation.
The advisory, initially issued by SMCH's Principal cum Chief Superintendent Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, was intended to enhance the safety and security of women on campus.
It advised women to avoid isolated, poorly lit areas, and to refrain from leaving hostels or lodging rooms during night hours unless necessary. Women were also urged to avoid going off-campus during late hours and to be cautious in interactions with unknown individuals.
The advisory further recommended that while on duty, women should remain emotionally composed, alert, and interact graciously with the public to avoid attracting attention from potential wrongdoers. Any issues or grievances were to be reported to the gender harassment committee or disciplinary panels.
However, the advisory was met with strong opposition from students and the Junior Doctors' Association (JDA). JDA President Salman Choudhury expressed deep disappointment, stating that the advisory failed to address the core security concerns at SMCH.
The students demanded enhanced security measures, including better lighting, dedicated washrooms, security in doctors' rooms, and the installation of CCTV cameras.
Following the protests, Dr. Gupta announced that the earlier advisory had been cancelled and that a new advisory would be issued soon, incorporating the feedback and concerns raised by the students and staff.
Follow us
