Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed Lok Sabha that A Draft “The Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019” was prepared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and circulated for consultations. Thereafter it was decided not to enact a separate Legislation for prohibiting violence against doctors and other health care professionals.

He replied to an Unstarred Question related to whether Government has withdrawn the 2019 Bill which was intended to protect healthcare professionals and institutions.

Later on, the Union Government of India passed Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 on 28th September, 2020. The Act provides that –

  1. Acts of violence against healthcare personnel during any situation would be cognizable and non-bailable offences.
  2.  Commission or abetment of such acts of violence or damage or loss to any property shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years, and with fine of Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 2,00,000/-.
  3.  In case of causing grievous hurt, imprisonment shall be for a term of six months to seven years and with fine of Rs. 1,00,000/- to Rs. 5,00,000/-.
  4. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to pay compensation to the victim and twice the fair market value for damage of property.

Picture Source :

 
Vishal Gupta