Finally ( ?) a Central Law to curb menace of violence against Doctors. Much awaited good news for Medicos. . - Adv. ROHiT ERANDE

Long pending Good news for Health Care Workers. No more violence against Doctors. :

In these days of Covid-19,  Doctors are risking their lives to save us, but sorry to  say that some people are  not mature enough to treat the doctors and the incidents of violence against Doctors is at its peak. 

The Following message is loud and clear :

At all other places :

If you are sneezing, having cold, fever, then don't come to us..

But....

In Hospitals, Drs. And Nursing Staff : If you are sneezing, having cold, fever, then please come to us immediately..

Thus IMA gave the ultimate and finally Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah and others had high power meeting today and the Govt. has decided to amend the age old Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and the ordinance has been passed to protect the healthcare workers from attacks and the key features are as under as briefed by Union Minister Shri. Prakash Javdekar. :

1. Attack on Health-care workers shall be treated as Cognizable and Non-bailable. 

2. Investigation will be done within 30 days.

3. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months to 5 years and penalty from Rs.50,000 upto 2 lakhs.

4. In case of grave injury to Healthcare workers, the Accused can be sentenced to Jail for the period of 6 months to 7 years.

& the penalty for the accused shall be from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakhs.

The Ordinance will be implemented once Hon. President gives sanction. As ordinance lapses within 42 days from the date of commencement of Parliament, lets hope when the Parliaments session starts, it be converted into Act. The Govt. must have taken into consideration the provision for recovery of damages to the Hospital and machinery in attacks.  

Much needed demand of the Medicos has finally been full filled. The Doctors were living under tremendous stress and many of them have started advising their kids to turn away from this profession, which is not good for the society.  

Though the Law no where states that it's applicable only in Epidemic situation. But I feel to set the controversy at rest, Govt. Should make it clear. Further the Law will not be helpful for the incidents those happened prior to this law as Criminal Law is never made applicable retrospectively. 

If any one has grievances against Doctors and Hospital, the Law and Courts have already taken care of it and crores of rupees of compensation has been granted in the history.  

Let's hope now this law will be implemented in its letter and spirit. 

This entire sad state  reminds me of a  Sanskrit verse "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha " which means if you protect Dharma (good cause), in turn it will protect you from evil.... Replace the word Doctor, for Dharma...

PS : Hon. President Has given its accent to the Ordinance and this protection is applicable as of now during pandemic only.

Thanks and Regards,

Adv. ROHiT Erande.

Pune