New Delhi (NVI): The central government has brought in an ordinance to end violence against health workers by amending the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which will allow imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years for those found guilty.
While addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting today, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, said the government would act “tough” against those who would attack doctors and frontline health workers.
The government is adopting zero tolerance towards instances of attacks on doctors and health workers on the frontline.
After the amendment, under the Epidemic Diseases Act, attacks on doctors, paramedic staff and ASHA workers has become a non-bailable and cognisable offence punishable for up to 7 years in prison and fine of up to Rs 5 lakhs.
Under the new law, investigation in such cases will be completed in a time-bound manner, Javadekar said.
In addition to this, those found to be vandalising the private clinic or a car/vehicle belonging to a doctor will be asked to pay twice the market value of these assets.
The decision comes after Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with the IMA representatives today and assured them that attacks on doctors and paramedic staff will not be tolerated.
