NEW DELHI: The Center is poised to enforce an order to make abuse and misconduct against healthcare workers deployed in the war against COVID-19 a non-bailable offence.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Mr. Prakash Javadekar told reporters that the decision has been taken during today’s Union Cabinet meeting, stating that attacks on doctors and medical staff would not be tolerated. “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,” said the Union minister.

Key points of the Union minister’s address:

  • The proposed ordinance will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
  • Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable.
  • Investigation will be done within 30 days.
  • In the event of grievous harm to health care staff, the perpetrator could be sentenced from anywhere between 6 months and 7 years and fined Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
  • In case damage is done to the cars or healthcare workers’ working place, then the accused must pay the compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged goods.

Talking on whether the new amendments will be applicable even after COVID-19’s threat is over, Javadekar said the ordinance was authorised to amend the Epidemic Act. “But that is a good start,” he said, without elaborating.

The Ordinance will be implemented after the President’s sanction.

(With inputs from agencies and news soruces)