Violence against doctors and medical staff made cognizable and non-bailable offence

Following a spate of attacks on doctors and other medical staff in various parts of the country, the Government passed an Ordinance making acts of violence against doctors and other medical staff as a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

The Union Cabinet has approved the promulgation of Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. Any violence and harassment against doctors or health workers would carry steep fines of Rs. 5 lakhs and a maximum of seven years imprisonment. Additionally, violators would have to pay double the cost of damage of property.

The ordinance which will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 would help protect healthcare service personnel and their living or working premises against violence.

The Union Cabinet on April 22 approved the ordinance. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar asserted that the Government has “zero tolerance” for violence and harassment against doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare personnel. He said that according to the new provision, a person can be sentenced to anywhere between three months and five years imprisonment, besides a fine between Rs. 50,000 and 2 lakh, for such crimes under the new provision. In cases where injuries are serious, the punishment will range from 6 months to 7 years.

Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has withdrawn the protests which were scheduled for April 22 and 23 against incidents of violence on health workers who were into COVID-19 duty after Home Minister Amit Shah assured the doctors and medical staff of their safety through video conferencing.