'Avoid being alone...don't attract unnecessary attention': Assam hospital's advisory to female staff after Kolkata incident
PTC News Desk: Days after the horrifying r@pe and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a state-run medical college in Assam has issued an advisory for women doctors and students. The advisory suggests they "avoid situations where they are alone" and "graciously interact with the public so that you don't attract unnecessary attention of unscrupulous people".
The Silchar Medical College and Hospital's advisory has received heavy criticism, with many on social media labelling it "misogynistic" and arguing that the college management should focus on guaranteeing women's safety on campus rather than listing dos and don'ts.
The document stated that the hospital administration believes it is necessary to issue the advisory in light of the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
The advisory reads, "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...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."
"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 of unscrupulous people," it added.
According to the advisory, students and female doctors must immediately report any grievances to internal committees to handle harassment or ragging.
The advisory stated that it was given in the greater interest of the hospital's doctors, students, and staff.
The college's Junior Doctors' Association condemned the advisory, citing alarming language in the document. They sought adequate campus lighting, security precautions in the doctors' rooms, and more CCTV cameras.
- PTC NEWS
