Attack on healthcare workers is a punishable offence | Fusion - WeRIndia

Healthcare workers are the frontline warriors. They are saving the lives of COVID-19 patients at the risk of their lives.

Though several people are appreciating their efforts, some people are attacking them and pelting stones at them. Some landlords are harassing them and forcing them to vacate their houses.

Several attacks and assaults had been reported on some doctors who engaged in COVID-19 duties at various parts of the country. In certain areas, doctors are abused and denied entry into their residences.

The last rites of the doctors who succumbed to COVID-19 had been opposed in some places. There are few such instances in different places across the country. Their family members faced a lot of trouble when the locals stopped them from performing the last rites of the doctors who engaged in COVID-19 duties, claiming that burying their bodies in their surroundings may lead to the spread of coronavirus infection.

In this context, the central government brought an ordinance to put an end to these harassments. As per the ordinance, those who attack healthcare workers will be imprisoned from 6 months to 7 years.

The Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in a press conference said that any incident of violence or harassment against healthcare workers will not be tolerated as they are trying to save the country from the coronavirus pandemic. An ordinance has brought to stop these attacks and violence, which will be implemented after the approval of the President.

Earlier, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) decided to protest against the attacks on the healthcare workers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan interacted with them through video conferencing and assured them full security. Hence, they called off their protest.

As assured, an ordinance has brought to protect healthcare workers against the attacks of people. The violators will be punished if they are found guilty.

Image Reference: https://www.pexels.com/photo/health-workers-wearing-face-mask-3957987/