File FIRs Against Those Involved In Assault On Doctors: Centre To States

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to states and Union territories, stating they may also invoke provisions of the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 against the accused.

The Centre on Saturday asked state governments to register cases and invoke the stringent Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 against those who indulge in assault on doctors and healthcare professionals. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla's letter to States and Union Territories came following several incidents of attack on doctors and healthcare professionals in different parts of the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "You will agree that any incident of threat or assault on doctors or healthcare professionals may dampen their morale and create a sense of insecurity amongst them. This may adversely affect the healthcare response system," Mr Bhalla wrote. The home secretary said in the present circumstances, it has become imperative that strict action be taken against those who assault healthcare professionals.