The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 manifests our commitment to protect each and every healthcare wor… https://t.co/SVIJXOea6J — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1587558156000

Covid-19: Will ensure safety of our health workers, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the ordinance to prevent violence against healthcare personnel will "ensure safety of our professionals" who are bravely battling the Covid-19 pandemic on the frontline.Earlier today, the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance making acts of violence against healthcare personnel fighting the coronavirus as cognizable and non-bailable offences.In a tweet , PM Modi said, "The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 manifests our commitment to protect each and every healthcare worker who is bravely battling COVID-19 on the frontline. It will ensure safety of our professionals. There can be no compromise on their safety!"The government said the proposed ordinance also provides for compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to property."We have brought an ordinance under which any attack on health workers will be a cognizable, non-bailable offence. In case of grievous injuries, the accused can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years. They can be penalised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh," Union minister Prakash Javadekar briefed media after the meeting of the Union Cabinet.The proposed ordinance will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.It will help protect healthcare service personnel and their living and working premises against violence.