Ordinance will facilitate punishment under the law: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

In light of rising incidents of violence and discrimination against healthcare workers amidst Coronavirus pandemic, government has promulgated an ordinance to facilitate punishment under law in such cases, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan informed on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, Health Minister stated that government has decided to promulgated an ordinance to amend Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 in light of pandemic situation of COVID-19. Health Minister also stated that such incidents against medical personnel have played havoc with ir confidence. 

He furr added that this will facilitate punishment under law in cases of violence against healthcare service personnel serving during an epidemic. This comes after Indian Medical Association (IMA) had declared a Black Day on April 23 and called for a protest while working on April 22. protest has, however, been called off after Union Home Minister and Health Minister assured association of prompt action. While declaring protest, IMA had demanded an ordinance to punish those inciting violence against doctors by law. 

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Punishments

If convicted, accused can be sentenced from 3 months to 5 years in prison and penalised from Rs 50,000 upto Rs 2 Lakh based on gravity of offense. In case of grievous injuries, accused can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years and y can be penalised from Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 5 Lakhs.

In addition, if any dam is done to vehicles or clinics of healthcare workers, n a compensation amounting to twice market value of damd property will be taken from accused. Javadekar said that re were rising demands to make a special law in this regard, or than provisions already present under or Acts like IPC, NSA, Disaster Manment Act, among ors.

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Earlier in day, Home Minister Amit Shah praised doctors and said that way our doctors are performing ir duties in se testing times is "exceptional."

"Safety and dignity of our doctors at ir workplace are n-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure a conducive atmosphere for m at all times. I have assured doctors that Modi govt is committed to ir cause and appealed to reconsider ir proposed protest," Home Minister added.

COVID Crisis

With 1383 new cases and 50 deaths reported in last 24 hours, India's total number of positive COVID-19 cases stands at 19,984, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. total number of cases include 15,474 active cases and 640 deaths. As many as 3,869 people have been recovered so far while one has migrated. 

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