Guwahati : Netizens recently called out Silchar Medical College (SMC) for giving ‘misgogynistic advice’ instead of providing ‘increased security measures’ in response to its advisory issued following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
SMC, in an advisory issued earlier, asked women doctors, students and staff to avoid isolated, poorly lit places, be alone, leave campus during late or odd hours, remain alert around unknown and suspicious individuals.
After the advisory was released, netizens called out the college authorities for its ‘misgoynistic tone’ and asked them to increase security in the institution.
“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?” one wrote.
“After R.G. Kar Medical College tragedy, Silchar Medical College’s advisory for female doctors is a stark reminder of our failure to address the root problem. Instead of holding perpetrators accountable, we’re asking women to take EXTRA PRECAUTIONS. Why isn’t the focus on justice,” another added.
“ASSAM: Instead of improving security, Silchar Medical College and Hospital has issued restrictions on women doctors, students and staff-the advisory asks them to avoid isolated, poorly lit places, be alone, leave campus during late or odd hours, remain alert etc,” a third commented
The advisory, released on August 12, 2024, has now been withdrawn after widespread criticism.
Following the backlash, the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued an advisory on August 13, 2024, prompting Silchar Medical College to cancel its earlier guidelines.
“A new advisory will be issued in this regard soon, following NMC norms and with govemment directives,” read the official notice.