New bill proposes both jail and fine for those who assault health workers
Summary
The government has registered a bill in Parliament to toughen penalties for assaulting doctors and other health workers, vandalizing health institutions, and blocking treatment. The proposed amendment would make jail terms and fines mandatory for several offenses and expand protections for interns and medical students.
Key Points
- The government has registered a bill in Parliament to amend the law on security of health workers and health institutions.
- The bill would increase penalties for assault, vandalism, arson, intimidation and obstruction at health facilities.
- It expands the legal definition of health workers to include interns, medical and allied science students.
- The amendment would remove options that allowed offenders to avoid jail by paying a fine.
