What a brutal crime in a Kolkata hospital reveals about the dangers women doctors face in India

The rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar hospital in Kolkata on August 9 has led to widespread protests by doctors and medical students across the country. They are demanding that the management of hospitals and college campuses provide them with better facilities and security.

The crime has particularly horrified doctors because of where it occurred – in the hospital’s seminar room, where the victim was sleeping. “It could have been any of us,” said Dr Rohini Chandrashekar, a doctor working at a government hospital in Kanpur.

Some responses by institutions have only angered protestors further. On August 12, the principal of the Silchar Medical College and Hospital issued a circular instructing “female doctors, students and staff” to “generally avoid isolated, poorly lit and sparsely populated areas”.

It also asked them to “refrain from leaving hostels during the night hours”. Further, it said, “avoid associating with individuals who appear unknown or are suspicious in nature”. While on duty, it added, “you should be composed emotionally, remain alert and should graciously interact with the public so you don’t attract unnecessary attention of unscrupulous people”.

The notice came in for sharp criticism from doctors in the college, and elsewhere in the country, who said that the college was...

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