1. Silchar Medical College’s safety advisory faced backlash and was quickly withdrawn, criticized for “misogyny” and “victim-blaming.”
2. The August 12 advisory targeted female doctors, students, and staff.
3. It was issued in response to a recent incident at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Silchar, Aug 14: A safety advisory issued by Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam sparked significant backlash before being swiftly withdrawn, with critics accusing it of “misogyny” and “victim-blaming.”
The original advisory, dated August 12, was intended for female doctors, students, and staff in response to a “recent tragic and reprehensible incident” at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. It recommended that women “generally avoid isolated, poorly lit, and sparsely populated areas” and “refrain from leaving hostel or lodging rooms during night hours unless necessary.”
This guidance drew immediate criticism from students and medical professionals, who found it troubling.
The Junior Doctors’ Association of Silchar Medical College denounced the advisory as “disturbing” and instead called for enhanced campus security, better lighting, and dedicated facilities for doctors.
Social media users criticized the advisory as “misogynistic,” arguing that it imposed undue restrictions on women rather than addressing broader safety issues.
Also Read: Assam: GMCH Staff and Students Stage Solidarity Protest Over Kolkata Doctor’s Death
In response to the backlash, the college administration issued a revised notice on August 14, stating: “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.”
The notice further clarified that a new advisory would be issued soon, in line with NMC norms and government directives.
This incident follows the death of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9, which is still under investigation and has reignited debates on safety measures and working conditions in medical institutions across India.
