COVID-19 India: Attacking medical staff to be non-bailable offence

The Indian Medical Association (IMA)has been demanding that the Centre bring a law to protect healthcare workers from rising attacks at a time when they are battling COVID-19. Following complaints from the medical fraternity, the Union Cabinet today decided to make acts of violence against doctors and other medical staff as a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Attacks on healthcare workers will carry stringent punishment of jail term of up to seven years and a hefty fine.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harassment, against them, will be tolerated.

Javadekar said, “The central government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers. It carries imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years if anyone is found guilty. Any attack on doctors or health workers will be liable to a penalty of anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh in non-serious cases and Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for serious offenses, where there are reports of serious injury. Healthcare professionals will also be extended insurance cover.”

He further added, “In addition to this, there will also be a jail term — a minimum of 6 months and up to 5 years for non-serious offenses and up to 7 years for serious cases. This will be a non-bailable offense.”

The government has also made the Epidemic Act a concurrent act so it can make decisions and take action during an epidemic to control road, rail, marine, and air traffic. The amended Epidemic Act a 120-year-old law will protect doctors, nurses, health workers, attendants, and also Aasha workers.

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