Violence against Doctors now punishable with 7 years in jail: Epidemic Act amended

An Ordinance amending the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 has been passed by President Ram Nath Kovind in order to ensure safety for doctors and healthcare workers. The said Ordinance was approved by the Union Cabinet on April 22 and passed by the President on April 23. The amendments by way of the Ordinance seek to put a fullstop on violence against healthcare workers, as several reports of attacks have been seen during this period of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Ordinance makes such acts of violence against medics punishable with an increased maximum imprisonment of 7 years along with compensation for damage caused to any property. The amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 had been a necessary step after many unfortunate incidents of violence against frontline healthcare workers (discharging their duties during COVID 19 situation) across India had been witnessed. Violence under the Ordinance has been defined as harassment and physical injury to the medical personnel and damage to property. The offence of violence has also been made a non-bailable offence. In case of grievous injuries to such persons, the accused can face jail time of 6 months-7 years and can also be made to pay monetary penalty of an amount ranging from 1 - 5 Lakh Rupees. The amendments also include damage caused to property. If damage is done to vehicles or clinics of such healthcare workers - the accused will be required to pay a compensation amounting to twice the amount of market value of that damaged property. In these trying times, this Ordinance will help in protecting the healthcare service personnel- including doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc. who are trying to save people and the nation from the coronavirus epidemic and are unfortunately facing attacks from people. The amendments also seek to ensure that investigation for such instances takes place in a time-bound manner.