Published on Apr 22, 2020
Coronavirus update: Attacking doctors, medical staff to be non-bailable offence
Coronavirus update: Attacking doctors, medical staff to be non-bailable offence

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, making acts of violence against medical staff a cognizable and non-bailable offence and to provide compensation for injury to healthcare personnel or for damage or loss to property.

The punishment for such attacks will be three months to five years and the fine ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh. In severe cases, where there are grievous injuries, the punishment will be six months to seven years and the fine ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

The ordinance will protect the whole healthcare fraternity, including doctors, nurses and ASHA workers.

This was long overdue. We hope more such changes in laws are enacted so that Doctors get a safe environment to do their duty.

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