Guwahati, Aug 14: In an order which will create more controversy rather than solving the problem, the Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam has asked female doctors, students, and staff should generally avoid isolated, poorly lit, and sparsely populated areas.
The advisory has been issued in the greater interest of doctors, students and staff members of Silchar Medical College and Hospital, with special emphasis on female members.
The advice has been issued following recent tragic and reprehensible incident at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata which has sparked countrywide uproar and ourage.
It has asked female doctors, students, and staff should, as much as possible, avoid situations where they are alone.
The female students have been refrained from leaving the hostel or lodging rooms during night hours unless necessary, with prior information to the concerned authority.
They have been asked to avoid going off-campus during late or “odd” hours.
The girl students have been asked to be cautious and avoid associating with individuals who appear unknown or are suspicious.
The advisory has asked students when they are on duty to well composed emotionally, remain alert about the surroundings and graciously interact with the public so that you don’t attract unnecessary attention of unscrupulous people.
The advisory states that any issues /grievances should be immediately, communicated to the Chairmen/ Members of the Gender Harassment committee, Disciplinary Committee, Internal complaint committee, Anti Ragging committee.
On Tuesday, The National Medical Commission in an advisory has requested all medical colleges to develop a policy for safe work environment within the College and Hospital campus for all the staff members including Faculty, medical Students and resident Doctors.
The advisory says the policy should ensure adequate safety measures at OPD, wards, casualty, hostels and other open areas in the campus and residential quarters. Corridors and campus be well lit in the evening for staff to walk safely from one place to other and all sensitive areas be covered by CCTV for monitoring.
It says adequate security measures including posting of adequate security staff (male and female) should be made available at the OPD, wards, casualty, labor rooms, hostels and residential quarters and other open areas in the Medical College and Hospital campus.
It also says any incident of violence against the medical students should be promptly investigated by the college management and FIR should be lodged with the Police. A detailed action taken report on any incident of violence should invariably be sent to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours of the incident.
