NEW DELHI: Amid several reports of attacks on healthcare personnel fighting COVID-19 across the country, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance making acts of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel a cognizable and non-bailable offence, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said.Those violating the law will attract a jail term of up to seven years and fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, he added.Javadekar said the Cabinet has approved the promulgation of Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 in view of the pandemic.“The central government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers. It carries imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years if anyone is found guilty," Javadekar said adding that attacks on doctors and health professionals will not be tolerated.In case of damage of property or assets, violators would also have to pay as compensation double the market price of the asset.“Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harassment, against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it'll be implemented after the President's sanction," he said.In the meantime, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called off its proposed 'White alert' and 'Black day' protests scheduled on April 22 and 23 following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and health minister Harsh Vardhan through video conference on Wednesday.The doctors' body has been demanding that the Centre bring a law to protect healthcare workers from rising attacks at a time when they are battling COVID-19.Besides, the Cabinet also allowed Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries to avail healthcare facilities in even non-empanelled hospitals during the pandemic, Javdekar said.