Attack on Doctors, Paramedic Non-bailable Offence under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
Attack on doctors, paramedics punishable up to 7 years imprisonment
New Delhi: Attacks on doctors, paramedic staff and ASHA workers have been made non-bailable and cognizable offenses, which are punishable with imprisonment from 6 months up to 7 years and fine of one lakh up to Rs 5 lakhs. The police investigation will be complete within a month and the case will be fast-tracked with the final judgment to come within a year. Those found to be damaging the private clinic or a vehicle belonging to a doctor will be asked to pay compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property or assets.
Doctors, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals are front-line warriors in this war against COVID-19. Yet, they have been subject to violence and discrimination. The incidents of violence targeting doctors, nurses, health care workers are increasing even as they have been engaged in carrying out their duties.
Following a meeting today between the Union Home Minister and Health Minister and the office-bearers of IMA led by Dr Rajan Sharma National President, the government has brought in an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which covers dangerous epidemic diseases.
“This is a step in the right direction. It is a welcome relief to the medical fraternity and we thank the government for this decision. It has come at the right time when we are in the midst of the biggest public health crisis in modern history. I hope that this amendment will follow another amendment of CEA or a special ordinance to cover non-epidemic situations also,” said Dr KK Aggarwal, President CMAAO & Heart Care Foundation of India.
Recently, Association of Healthcare Providers (India) AHPI had implored the governmennt that urgent and effective action be taken including promulgating ordinance to ensure the safety and security of health workers. We also appeal that every death of healthcare workers during this COVID 19 pandemic should be accorded the status of a martyr and the mortal remains be laid to rest with full state honour so that their mortal remains are not subjected to indignity of any manner.
