Lok Sabha passed Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Lok Sabha passed Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which will replace an ordinance issued in April by the government.

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Key-Points

The bill amends the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to include protections for health care service personnel combating epidemic diseases and expands the powers of the Central Government to prevent the spread of such diseases.

The bill repeals the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance that was promulgated in April this year.

The legislation makes harm, injury, hurt or danger to the life of health care service personnel as a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

It has provisions of imprisonment from three months to five years and a fine between 50 thousand rupees to two lakh rupees.

Persons convicted of offences under the bill will also be liable to pay compensation to the health care service personnel whom they have hurt.