Ordinance: Attackers on COVID Warriors to Go to Jail

It's a sad state of affairs that Covid Warriors, who include doctors, nurses, para medicos, Asha workers and other health staff, are being assaulted by the carriers of coronavirus and their kin every now and then. These attackers turned miscreants and violators hurling stones and bricks on the health staff when the latter visit their places to take them to quarantines. 

The union government, however, has taken the issue seriously. The union cabinet meet, chaired by the PM Mr Narendra Modi, was held on Wednesday. The cabinet has resolved to take stringent action on those violators who indulge in battering Covid warriors and for destructing the government properties such as vehicles and hospitals. Following are the excerpts of cabinet minister Prakash Javadekar's press meet. 

* A total of 723 hospitals have been classified as Covid hospitals. A sum of 25 lakh N-95 standard masks and 15000 ventilators are available for Covid healthcare services.

* The subsidy for hospitals  has been hiked to Rs.22,186 crore. This stands 5% to 7% more than the last year's subsidy. 

* The government viewed the attacks on Covid warriors very seriously. A special ordinance will be brought in addition to existing epidemic diseases and disaster management acts for imposing punishments to violators.

* The investigation on Covid cases will be completed within 30 days. And the attackers will be sent behind the bars at the earliest. The punishments will be ranging from 3 months to 5 years besides a fine of Rs.50 thousand to 2 lakh will be levied from the destroyers. An insurance policy worth Rs.50 lakh is enabled for health staff.