A doctor in Kerala, Dr Sanoj of Parassala Taluk Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, who questioned some people for not wearing masks, was attacked on Monday night. The police has arrested six people associated with this incident. Two of them are law students. 

CCTV footage of the attack revealed that the Casual Medical Officer and two nursing assistants of Taluk Hospital were assaulted by some people when they were questioned over violation of COVID norm. This happened when some people had brought an injured patient to Taluk Hospital at around 11:30 pm on Monday. 

When the doctor questioned these people for not wearing masks, they attacked the doctor. The hospital staff protested against the incident and demanded justice.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had earlier observed National Protest Day on June 18, seeking a central law for the protection of doctors against violence. 

On June 19, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to Chief Secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories to implement measures to curb attacks on healthcare workers. 

Under Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, a person who assaults doctors and healthcare professionals is liable to punishment with imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine of up to 2 lakh rupees. If an act of violence leads to grievous injury, the person will be liable to punishment with imprisonment up to 7 years and a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees. These will be cognizable and non-bailable offences.

Source: Republicworld.com