Against the backdrop of attacks on healthcare personnel fighting coronavirus, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance making acts of violence against them as cognizable and non-bailable offences, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said.

“Health workers, who are trying to save the country from this epidemic, are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harrasamemnt, against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it’ll be implemented after President’s sanction,” Javadekar said.

He said the proposed ordinance also provides for compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to property. The proposed ordinance will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.

“Investigation will be done within 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 6 months-7 yrs & penalised from Rs 50,000 upto Rs 2 Lakh,” Javadekar added.

It will help protect healthcare service personnel and their living and working premises against violence.

Asked whether the new changes in the law will be applicable even after the threat of COVID-19 is over, Javadekar said that the ordinance has been approved to amend the Epidemic Act.

“But it is a good beginning,” he said, without elaborating.