Assam Hospital Withdraws Advisory Asking Female Staff To 'Avoid Being Alone' After Backlash

After facing massive flak, the Assam Silchar Medical College and Hospital cancelled the advisory it had issued in the wake of the rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The advisory was withdrawn hours after it faced severe criticism on social media.

SMCH's Principal cum Chief Superintendent Dr Bhaskar Gupta had issued the advisory, following the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

"The advisory issued earlier stands cancelled and a new advisory will be issued soon in this regard," Gupta said.

It was cancelled following protests from students who demanded enhanced security measures in the hospital.

In the advisory, the hospital had asked the female doctors, students, and staff to avoid poorly lit, and sparsely populated areas.

"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," said the advisory.

It said that female students were to stay within the dorms or lodging rooms during the night unless absolutely required, and then they were to leave after alerting the 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 further stated that female students and doctors should always make sure they have a mechanism to get in touch in case of need.

"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," the advisory added in another point.

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According to the document, internal committees for the purpose of addressing harassment or ragging must receive complaints from students and female doctors right away.

The advisory has faced a massive criticism with netizens calling it "misogynist".

One user said, "The advisory should be for the men and not women".

Another questioned, "Can any female doctor feel safe even at their own workplace reading such notices?"

This came amid the ongoing uproar and strike in the country over the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.

In the latest development in the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, which arrived from New Delhi to Kolkata on Wednesday to probe the heinous rape and murder of a doctor, has taken into custody accused Sanjay Ray.