New Delhi: The Union Cabinet approved an ordinance on Wednesday making acts of violence against doctors and frontline personnel a cognizable and non-bailable offence. The ordinance imposed punishment of imprisonment with seven years those who attacked on the doctors and medical staff at the time of treatment.

Amid several reports of attack on health care personnel engaged in treating and tracking Covid-19 cases across the country. Speaking to the media person information and broad casting minister Prakash Javdekar said those violating the law will attract an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of upto Rs. Five lakh.

The cabinet had approved promulgation of an ordinance to amend the epidemic diseases act 1897, to ensure that those who assault or abused health care personnels are punished. The union government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers. It carries imprisonment from six months to seven years if anyone is found guilty said Javdekar.  He also said that attacks on doctors and health professionals would not be tolerated, he added.