The government has brought in an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act making attacks on doctors, paramedic staff and ASHA workers a non-bailable and cognisable offence punishable up to seven years in prison and fine of up to Rs 5 lakhs.
Cabinet approves promulgation of 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.
The police will investigate the case in one month and the case will be fast tracked with the final judgement to come within a year.
Those found to be vandalising the private clinic or a car belonging to a doctor will be asked to pay twice the market value of these assets.
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. They lauded their efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
