On April 23, the central government has brought a much-needed ordinance for healthcare workers. To end the violence against healthcare workers, the central government has come up with an ordinance by amending the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. If found guilty, then the imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years the centre allowed.

Union Minister while addressing a press conference said that the government would act “tough” and will take strict action against those who would attack doctors and frontline health workers.

He further said that crimes against healthcare workers are now a “non-bailable” offence via the ordinance. Under the new law, such cases of attacks will be completed in a time-bound manner. Javedkar said “Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable. The investigation will be done in 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months-5 years and penalized from Rs 50,000 up to Rs 2 lakh.”

He further added “Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harassment, against them, will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it’ll be implemented after President’s sanction.”

Prakash Javedkra, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Information & Broadcasting; & Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises

He also added that if the damaged is done to vehicles or clinics of the healthcare workers. The accused have a compensation amount twice the market value of the damaged property. He also informed that the daily briefings of health led by Lav Agarwal would now be reduced to four days a week. While press releases and cabinet briefing would be held on alternate days.

This ordinance will protect healthcare service personnel and their living or working premises against violence.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted on twitter regarding this ordinance-