Controversy erupts over Silchar Medical College Hospital advisory for female medicos following RG Kar incident

Guwahati: At a time when doctors across the nation are raising voices protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a PG respiratory medicine medico at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH) in Assam has come under heat after it issued an advisory for female doctors and students that has sparked controversy.

The medical college issued the advisory on Monday restricting female doctors, students and staff movements on the campus for their safety and security in view of the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The controversial 8-point safety measures taken by medical college authorities suggest that female doctors, students, and staff should generally avoid isolated, poorly lit, and sparsely populated areas. They should avoid situations where they are alone and refrain from leaving the hostel or lodging rooms during night hours unless necessary, with prior information to the concerned authority.

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"Avoid going off-campus during late or odd hours. All hostel boarders should abide by the hostel norms and regulations laid down by the institute and administration. Be cautious and avoid associating with individuals who appear unknown or suspicious in nature. Always ensure you have a means of making emergency contact in case of urgent situations. While on duty you should be well composed emotionally, remain alert about the surroundings and should graciously interact with the public, so that you don't attract the unnecessary attention of unscrupulous people," stated the advisory notice issued by the principal cum chief superintendent of the institute, Dr Bhaskar Gupta.

Further, the authorities said that any issues or grievances should be immediately communicated to the Chairman/ Members of the Gender Harassment committee, Disciplinary committee, Internal complaint committee, Anti Ragging committee.

Backlash from doctors and students

After the advisory was issued, the medical students and doctors condemned the authorities for its directive and heavily trolled them claiming that it was a 'misogynistic' move towards the healthcare professionals. They claimed that the authorities should improve the security arrangements instead of telling the females to stay in their rooms.

Feeling disturbed over the issuance of the advisory, the students claimed that they are hurt and ashamed that instead of providing security to them, the authorities are imposing restrictions on their movement when they have complained about repeated incidents of harassment from the male staff and attendants. They alleged that it was unfair to the women.

SMCH faced backlash from not only its students and doctors but also from netizens across the nation after the advisory went viral on social media. The authorities after receiving huge criticism for their action ultimately decided to cancel this advisory and confirmed that it will issue a new advisory soon. 

Cancelling the present advisory, the authorities in a recent notice said "As NMC has issued an advisory vide no. N-16021/33/2024-IT-NMC(8291616), dt. 13.08.2024, the advisory issued by Silchar Medical College & Hospital administration vide no. SMC/11782, dt. 12.08.2024 stands cancelled. A new advisory will be issued in this regard soon, following NMC norms and with government directives."

Reaction from netizens

In a post on X, a user wrote "I am stunned after reading this , Instead of strictly Increasing security for Doctors in their medical college & Hospital SMCH ,Silchar has put a notice for Female doctors and staff of their college stating “what they should Do , where they should go and not Instead of safeguarding their doctors they are safeguarding themselves in case any such incidence ever happen in future” ! Can any female doctor feel safe even at their own workplace reading such notices?"

"Blame the victim, don’t blame the rapist. Wow hats off to Government of Assam and administration of Silchar Medical College. Instead of increasing security they are issuing guidelines for the females doctors and medical students. Capital punishment should be there for every rapist. Every rapist should be hanged till death. As a society what have we become?" said a doctor.

"So it is woman’s fault if she gets raped, This letter issued by Silchar Medical College implies that," asked another user. 

A woman user said "WTF Silchar Medical College! The advisory should be for the men and not women. What kind of a country are we?"

"CONCERNING: The Principal of Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH) issued a circular urging the female doctors to be alert around the college campus specifically in areas that are poorly lit and sparsely populated. Is this how we’re going to ensure Safety for Women?" said another user. 

"Assam’s Silchar Medical college has issued an advisory to its female doctors, asking them to avoid isolated places. When are we going to instill this fear in men that if they can’t keep it in their pants they will have to suffer the consequences that can ruin their lives. All these years women were told to do everything to protect themselves and nothing worked, high time these men are taught some lesson!" 

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