Epidemic Diseases Amendment Act, 2020 Passed By Rajya Sabha

Epidemic Diseases Amendment Act, 2020 passed by Rajya Sabha. Harassment and mistreatment with doctors and health workers will now be expensive. The Rajya Sabha on Saturday passed a bill that provides stringent punishment for those who attack doctors and health workers in a situation like the COVID-19 epidemic or the current epidemic.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan introduced the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 in the Upper House which was supported by most of the members of various parties.

However, some members suggested bringing under its purview the sanitation workers of hospitals, ASHA (recognized social health workers) personnel, and the corona warriors of emergency services like police and other departments.

The bill is replaced by an ordinance issued by the government on 22 April. To make incidents of violence against health workers treating Covid-19 patients a non-bailable offense, the government had amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 through the said ordinance.

If found guilty, the punishment will be from three months to five years and a fine from 50 thousand to five lakh

The purpose of the bill is to ensure strict action against any kind of violence and damage to property against health workers during any situation like the current epidemic.

The proposed Act provides for imprisonment ranging from three months to five years and a fine of 50 thousand to two lakh rupees for indulging in or inciting such violence.

There is a provision of imprisonment ranging from six months to seven years and fine ranging from Rs one lakh to five lakh in case of serious injury.

The issue of violence on health professionals in hospitals is not included- CPI

During the discussion on the bill, Binoy Viswam of the Communist Party of India said that the bill has serious flaws as it does not include the issue of violence on health professionals within hospitals.

Many hospitals are not paying salaries to doctors and nurses, PPE kits are not being given and safety concerns are being ignored.

Police and other services personnel also need to be involved- Anand Sharma

Anand Sharma of Congress said that police and other services personnel also need to be included in its ambit. He suggested to immediately set up a national task force for consultations from all sides.

Trinamool Congress accuses Center of interfering in the functioning of states

Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress accused the Center of interfering in the functioning of the states through the bill. He said that fraudulent provisions have been made in the Bill. States should be empowered to take decisions.

Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party stressed the need to make special provisions to take advantage of the Covid-19 crisis and punish those who take it as business and private hospitals.