Silchar:    Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam has withdrawn a contentious safety advisory for female healthcare workers after facing widespread criticism. The advisory, released on August 12, was a response to a recent tragic event at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

The initial guidelines recommended that female doctors, students, and staff avoid isolated or poorly lit areas and limit night-time outings from their lodgings. While intended as a precaution, the advisory quickly faced backlash.

Critics, including students and medical professionals, labeled the advisory as “misogynistic” and “victim-blaming,” arguing that it unfairly restricted women instead of addressing broader safety concerns. 

The advisory drew further condemnation on social media for reinforcing outdated gender biases rather than focusing on systemic safety upgrades.

Students, who had criticized the existing safety measures at the college, are demanding an apology and improvements to campus security. They have set a 48-hour deadline for the administration to address their concerns or face potential protests.

In response to the outcry, the college administration issued a new notice on August 14, announcing the cancellation of the original advisory. The updated notice referenced new guidelines from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and promised that a revised advisory, adhering to NMC standards and government instructions, would be issued soon.

This controversy follows the death of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9, which has reignited debates on safety protocols and working conditions within Indian medical institutions.