Amid the increasing cases of attacks on healthcare workers and corona warriors, the Union Cabinet on 22 April 2020 brought an ordinance to protect healthcare workers who all are involved in the treatment of noble coronavirus and facing violent attacks. This was taken during the Union Cabinet meeting and attacks against doctors and medical staff will not be tolerated, said by the Union Minister-Prakash Javadekar. The government had amended the Epidemic Act, 1897 to protect the healthcare personnel.
“Health workers who are trying to save the country from this pandemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incidence of violence or harassment against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it’ll be implemented after President’s Sanction,” Said the Union minister.
The major points addressed by the Union Minister include attacks on the doctors and health workers is now a cognizable and non-bailable offense, Investigation will be done within 30 days, in case of any serious injuries to the health workers, the accused will be sentenced from anywhere between 6 months to 7 years and can be fined Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh.
“If the damage is done to the vehicle or clinics of healthcare workers, then a compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be taken from the accused,” Javadekar said.
This move by the government comes after a day the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded the center to bring in a law on an urgent basis to protect medical professionals from the attack on duty. The IMA also asked all the doctors and hospitals across the country to light candles with the white coat as a protest against the attacks on health workers on duty. IMA also called off to Home Minister Amit Shah through a video conference about their proposed “White alert” and “Black Day” on April 22 and 23.
