A recent advisory issued by Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam, urging female doctors and staff to avoid isolated places at night, has been met with widespread criticism and subsequently withdrawn. The advisory, issued in the wake of a tragic rape-murder incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, sparked outrage among students, faculty, and social media users alike.
The advisory, which included eight points, advised women to avoid being alone, especially in poorly lit or sparsely populated areas on campus. It also suggested that they avoid leaving campus during late or odd hours and be cautious about associating with unfamiliar individuals. This sparked a fierce backlash, with critics calling the advisory misogynistic and a blatant attempt to place the burden of safety on women instead of addressing the root cause of the problem.
Students at the hospital, along with many online, argued that the advisory shifted responsibility from the institution to the individual. Instead of improving security measures and addressing the safety concerns of women on campus, the advisory appeared to tell them to restrict their movements and take extra precautions.
This incident highlights a common trend where institutions, in response to violence against women, often resort to placing limitations on women’s mobility and behavior rather than addressing the issue of violence and providing adequate security measures.
Following the widespread criticism, the advisory was withdrawn within hours. The hospital administration is now working on issuing a new advisory focusing on enhanced security measures and a safer environment for all staff members. The incident has sparked a wider conversation on the need for greater emphasis on security and the creation of a safer environment for women in medical institutions across India.
The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which prompted the controversial advisory, continues to be investigated by the CBI. A special team of medical officers and forensic experts from Delhi has arrived at the crime scene to assist in the investigation. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice for the victim and increased security for medical professionals across the country.
