Ordinance makes attacks non-bailable offence, probe within 30 days
Sending a clear message that there will be no compromise on safety of the health workers fighting corona pandemic, the Government on Wednesday brought an Ordinance by amending the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which will allow imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years along with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for those found guilty of assaulting them.
Addressing a Press conference here, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the Government would act “tough” against those who would attack doctors and frontline health workers.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the ordinance a day after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded the Centre to bring in a law on urgent basis to protect medical professionals from attack on duty. This demand followed rising incidents of violence against healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.
Javadekar said the crimes against health workers had been made a “non-bailable offense”. Under the new law, investigation in such cases will be completed in a time-bound manner. “Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable. Investigation will be done in 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months-5 years and penalised from Rs 50,000 up to Rs 2 lakh,” Javadekar said.
In extremely violent cases, accused may get six months to seven years in jail.
“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. An Ordinance has been brought in, it will be implemented after President’s sanction,” he said.
The Minister said if damage was done to vehicles or clinics of healthcare workers, a compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property would be charged from the accused.
He also said health briefings would now be reduced to four days a week, while Press releases and Cabinet briefing would be held on alternate days.
Soon after the approval of the Ordinance, Modi tweeted, epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 manifests our commitment to protect each and every healthcare worker who is bravely battling Covid-19 on the frontline. “It will ensure safety of our professionals. There can be no compromise on their safety,” he said.
Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday interacted with doctors and senior representatives of the IMA through a video conference following which the IMA called off their silent protest planned for 9 pm on Wednesday against the spate of attack on their fraternity.
“He (the Home Minister has assured that the Government of India will take all necessary steps and come out shortly with relevant legislations to address the safety and dignity of doctors and healthcare givers,” the IMA said in a statement here. It said it is withdrawing the protest “to maintain the unity and integrity of our country.”
Allaying all concerns of the medical fraternity, Shah assured them that the Government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring their wellbeing and security, said a statement here.
The Union Health Ministry recently directed all Chief Secretaries of States and UTs to ensure adequate measures for the safety of health workers for Covid-19 services.