The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday directed states to register a case and invoke the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, against...
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday directed states to register a case and invoke the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, against those assaulting doctors and healthcare workers, reported PTI.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla told states in a letter that the attack on doctors and healthcare workers can dampen their morale and adversely affect the healthcare response system. He said that in these circumstances, it was imperative that strict action would be taken against those who assault healthcare professionals.
“Institutional FIRs [first information reports] should be registered against assaulters and such cases should be fast-tracked,” Bhalla said. “You may also like to invoke provisions of the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, where applicable.”
Under the Act, offenders can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. In addition, if the attack leads to grievous harm, the accused can be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to Rs 5 lakh. These offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
“I would also like to reiterate that a close watch be kept on any objectionable content in social media which may exacerbate such situations,” the home secretary said. “Concerted efforts should be made through posters in hospitals, social media, etc to...
