On Wednesday (August 14, 2024) the advisory of Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam to its women doctors and other staffers to avoid going alone to isolated places at night was cancelled.
Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, SMCH’s Principal cum Chief Superintendent had promulgated it after a trainee doctor was raped and killed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
“Cancelation of the previous issued advisory is now in effect as a new one will be out soon,” Mr. Gupta said.
This followed an outcry from students who called for improved safety provisions in the facility.
According to it, women doctors, students and staffers should generally avoid ”isolated, poorly lit and sparsely populated areas”.
The advice further stated that they should “avoid any situations where they are ‘alone'”.
It also advised them not to “leave hostels or lodging rooms during night hours without prior information to the concerned authority.”
Furthermore, “off-campus travel during late hours, mingling with strangers, guaranteeing emergency phone numbers” were all warned against by this memorandum.
Also while “on duty one should be mentally composed – remain aware of what is happening around you. Be helpful towards patients so that you do not become an object of temptation.’’
For immediate communication regarding any complaints or issues, one can approach chairman/members gender harassment cell and antiragging/disciplinary committee said the paper.
Nevertheless, the students opposed this recommendation demanding tighter security at their institution’s premises.
JDA president Salman Choudhury commented that their reaction was “deeply saddened” yet he added : “We are deeply saddened and ashamed.”
“The advisory does not deal with the real issues regarding SMCH and it is absurd”, said Mr. Choudhury.
He further requested authorities to ensure proper functioning of lighting in the hospital area, enhanced security measures, dedicated washroom facilities, security in doctors’ rooms and installation of CCTV cameras.
