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NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet enacted an ordinance on Wednesday to protect health workers who have faced violent attacks in the line of duty during the coronavirus pandemic. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters that the decision was made during today’s Union Cabinet meeting, saying that attacks on doctors and medical personnel will not be tolerated.
Key points of the Union Minister’s speech:
* “Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic unfortunately face attacks. Any incident of violence or harassment against them will not be tolerated,” said the Union minister.
* The proposed ordinance will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.
* Such a crime will now be recognizable and cannot be rescued.
* The investigation will be carried out within 30 days.
* In case of serious injuries to health workers, the defendant can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years and can be fined Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
* If vehicles or health workers’ clinics are damaged, the defendant will be awarded compensation equal to twice the market value of the damaged property.
* Speaking on whether the new changes to the law will be applicable even after the COVID-19 threat has ended, Javadekar said the ordinance has been passed to amend the Epidemic Law. “But it’s a good start,” he said, without elaborating.
* The Ordinance will be implemented after the approval of the President.
(With contributions from agencies)
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Key points of the Union Minister’s speech:
* “Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic unfortunately face attacks. Any incident of violence or harassment against them will not be tolerated,” said the Union minister.
* The proposed ordinance will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.
* Such a crime will now be recognizable and cannot be rescued.
* The investigation will be carried out within 30 days.
* In case of serious injuries to health workers, the defendant can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years and can be fined Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
* If vehicles or health workers’ clinics are damaged, the defendant will be awarded compensation equal to twice the market value of the damaged property.
* Speaking on whether the new changes to the law will be applicable even after the COVID-19 threat has ended, Javadekar said the ordinance has been passed to amend the Epidemic Law. “But it’s a good start,” he said, without elaborating.
* The Ordinance will be implemented after the approval of the President.
(With contributions from agencies)
