(a) Whether the Government proposes to bring stringent laws to contain violence against doctors and healthcare staff,
(b) If so, the details thereof,
(c) Whether Indian Medical Association has also written to the Government stating severity and necessity of such laws and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the time by which such law shall be implemented?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (d) Government of India passed the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 on 28th September 2020 which provides that acts of violence against healthcare personnel during any situation akin to current pandemic, would be cognizable and non-bailable offenses. Commission or abetment of such acts of violence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years, and with fine of Rs.50,000/- to Rs.2,00,000/-. 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/-. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to pay, compensation to the victim and twice the fair market value for damage of property.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had demanded and organized a nation-wide protest in June 2021 demanding enactment of stringent laws and its proper implementation to curtail violence.