New Delhi|HL
Seeing the continuous attacks and assault on health workers ,the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister approved an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act on Wednesday.
Centre decided to make Epidemic Diseases Act more powerful by making attacks on doctors and health workers a cognizable and non-bailable offence and provisions ranging from imprisonment up to seven years to hefty fines.
The Cabinet also approved a Rs 15,000 crore for “India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package” which is to be utilized in 3 phases.
In the wake of rampant attacks on doctors and frontline health workers treating COVID-19 patients, the
According to the amended law passed by the Cabinet, any damage to a doctor or a health professional’s property including their personal vehicles will result in the recovery of double the cost from the person responsible for the act of violence.
The decision in this regard was taken after doctors and their associations urged Union Home Minister to frame some concrete laws for their protection.
Briefing about the Cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “The Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 making such acts of violence as cognizable and non-bailable offences and to provide compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property.”
Javadekar further said, “From doctors to ASHA workers all healthcare workers will be provided protection. It has also been decided that investigation will be completed in 30 days.”
There are provisions of stringent punishment, including fines upto Rs 2 lakh. If the injury is serious, upto 7 years imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh, Javadekar said, adding that the message is clear no attacks on health staff and doctors will be tolerated.
Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with doctors and medical associations through video-conferencing and urged the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to withdraw a symbolic protest by doctors against attacks on health workers. However, after meeting the doctors’ body withdrew its protest.
During the interaction, Shah, who was accompanied by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, assured doctors that the government stands firmly behind them for their safety and that it will do everything possible to protect them.
“Safety and dignity of our doctors at their workplace are non-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure a conducive atmosphere for them at all times. I have assured doctors that Modi government is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest,” Shah tweeted after the meeting.
