KATHMANDU: The government has brought an ordinance that punishes those who beat health workers. The new provisions can imprison culprits for upto three years and a fine of up to NRs. 300,000. Even if the health facility is besieged, it can be sentenced to one year imprisonment.
The government has brought an ordinance to amend the Health Workers and Health Institutions Security Act, 2066 BS after the attack on the health workers of Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj recently. The health workers have been demanding stern actions against the culprits.
In an ordinance issued by President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the hospital as well as the holding centers, quarantine and isolation for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases have also been included in the category of health institution.
According to this ordinance, anyone will be punished for arson / vandalism / lockdown / siege of health institution and beating / threatening / abusing / insulting health workers or employees working in the health institution.
According to the ordinance, arson in a health facility is punishable by imprisonment for two to five years or a fine of NRs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 or both.
Vandalism in a health institution or beating of a health worker and an employee working in a health institution is punishable by imprisonment for three years or a fine of up to NRs 300,000 or both.
In addition, if there is any loss or damage to the health workers, employees working in the health institution or the health institution, compensation amount equal to the loss can be paid from the culprit.
The ordinance stipulates that in case of arson or vandalism in a health institution and assault on a health worker or a health worker, if there is grounds to believe that he or she is guilty on the basis of immediate evidence, the prosecuting officer may remand him / her in custody.
The ordinance provides for the formation of a Health Workers and Health Institutions Safety Coordinating Committee under the chairmanship of the 12th level staff of the Ministry of Health and Population to work in a coordinated manner regarding the security of health workers and health institutions.
The committee will have representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal Medical Council, Nepal Nursing Council, Nepal Medical Association, Nepal Health Technical Association, Nepal Ayurveda Physicians Association, Nepal Nursing Association as well as the umbrella organization of private hospitals.
