[Breaking] Cabinet Approves Ordinance To Amend Epidemic Diseases Act For Stricter Punishments For Offences Against Health Workers

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 to provide stricter punishments for attacks against health workers.

The amendment was necessitated in view of reports of incidents of attack and harassment against doctors, nurses, para-medics and Asha workers, said Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar.

The Ordinance proposes that the police investigation of crimes against medical workers should be over within 30 days, and that the trial should be completed within one year. The punishment ranges from 3 months to 5 years of imprisonment, and fine from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakhs. If the injuries are grievous in nature, the punishment will extend up to seven years imprisonment

The offences will be cognizable and non-bailable. There will be provisions for compensating the personal loss and property damages sustained by health workers.