Lok Sabha Amends Epidemic Diseases Act to Protect Healthcare Workers
The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 has been passed by Lok Sabha on September 21, to protect healthcare professionals and frontline workers against any violence during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the bill, any individual engaging in acts of violence against healthcare Proffessionals can face upto seven years of imprisonment. Additionally, depending on the gravity of the situation, offenders can be slapped with a penalty ranging from Rs 50,000 to 2 Lakh.