Silchar Medical College and Hospital rescinds advisory that asked women doctors and students to avoid situations where they are alone

Guwahati: Following the rape and murder of 31-year-old doctor was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a state-run hospital has issued an advisory for women doctors and students, asking them to "avoid situations where they are alone".

The advisory asked them to "graciously interact with the public, so that you don't attract unnecessary attention from unscrupulous people".

However, the advisory by Silchar Medical College and Hospital was cancelled following the furore.


The advisory stated that the hospital administration finds it necessary to issue the advisory in view of the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

"Female doctors, students, and staff should generally avoid isolated, poorly lit, and sparsely populated areas. Female doctors, students, and staff should, as much as possible, avoid situations where they are alone," the advisory said.

Female students, it said, must refrain from leaving the hostel or lodging rooms during night hours unless necessary and must step out only after informing authorities.

"Avoid going off-campus during late or odd hours. All Hostel borders should abide by the hostel norms & regulations laid by the institute and administration. Be cautious and avoid associating with individuals who appear unknown or are suspicious in nature," the advisory said.

It added that women doctors and students must always ensure they have a means of making emergency contact.
The advisory stated, "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 unnecessary attention from unscrupulous people. students and women doctors must immediately communicate any grievances to internal committees to address harassment or ragging”.

The advisory said it had been issued in the greater interest of doctors, students and staff members of the hospital.

The Junior Doctors' Association of the college condemned the advisory and said the language in the document is disturbing. They demanded adequate lighting on campus, security measures in doctors' rooms and more CCTV cameras.

The medical college stated, “As NMC has issued an advisory vide no. N-16021/33/2024-1T-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”.