GMERS Gandhinagar protests

A circular issued by GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society) Medical College, Gandhinagar, advising female doctors and students to be cautious has sparked outrage.

The advisory comes in the wake of the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Instead of outlining specific safety measures for female doctors, the circular essentially places the onus of safety on the individuals themselves.

Dr Shobhna Gupta, dean of GMERS Gandhinagar, issued the circular, advising female doctors, students, and staff to avoid going out at night and to be accompanied if necessary. The advisory also suggests that female doctors should stay in hostels with other female colleagues or acquaintances.

Furthermore, female doctors have been instructed to call the women’s helpline ‘181’ in case of untoward incidents.

Doctors have expressed their displeasure with this circular, arguing that it fails to address the root of the problem — the lack of adequate safety measures on campus. They contend that the dean’s instructions place the burden of safety solely on the women, without providing concrete solutions.

“We may have to go out at any time during an emergency. In such situations, we have to go alone. The college administration should take steps to ensure our safety. They are trying to shirk their responsibility. The college management should tighten security throughout the campus and keep an eye on strangers,” said an aggrieved doctor.

The incident in Kolkata has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with people demanding stringent punishment for the perpetrators.