Modi Govt Brings In Ordinance Making Attacks On Doctors, Health Staffers Non-Bailable With Jail Up To 7 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central government has brought in an ordinance with an aim to end the violence against health workers in the country.

As per provisions under the ordinance, those found guilty of assaulting the health personnel would be liable to serve a jail sentence ranging from 6 months to 7 years, ANI has reported.

The ordinance which comes amid reports of multiple attacks on healthcare personnel across the country during Covid-19 pandemic, seeks to make the crime non-bailable.

Probes in this matter would have to be completed within 30 days and a court verdict will be given within one year. Besides a jail term of up to seven years, the offence would carry a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

In the case of damage to vehicles or clinics of the healthcare personnel, compensation of twice the market value will be levied from the attackers.

During a press briefing I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar said that no incident of violence against doctors would be tolerated and and amendment to this tune is being made to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.

This news comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (22 April) held an interaction with doctors and particularly with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) leading the IMA to withdraw it's proposed protests scheduled against the assaults on 22 and 23 April.

Sending a strong message against the attackers, Shah added that safety and dignity of doctors at their work place is "non-negotiable".