Home Ministry asks States to get tough with those who attack healthcare workers

Mysore/Mysuru: As India battles the Coronavirus outbreak, sporadic attacks on doctors, social workers and Police personnel have come to the fore raising concerns over their safety and prompting warnings by authorities. 

In the wake of such attacks, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar has warned that people obstructing the doctors, health workers, Police, volunteers and support staff will be severely dealt with.

“People who are working outside are not here for picnic or as a leisure activity. People must understand that the Government, in its efforts to combat the killer virus, has put its entire machinery into action and has sought support from volunteers and semi-Government agencies. Any disruption in their activities or attacks on them will attract stringent action,” he said. 

He asserted that strong action will be taken against the culprits and necessary measures will be put in place to provide protection to all the doctors and paramedics treating COVID-19 patients.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all State Governments to take strict action against those who are found attacking and manhandling healthcare and frontline workers.

Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry, wrote to all States seeking security of the medical fraternity. She said the States have also been directed through video conferencing to take these incidences very seriously and act promptly.

“The Home Ministry has also clearly instructed the States to ensure the security of the medical fraternity,” Srivastava said during a regular press briefing related to the developments of novel Coronavirus pandemic.

There are seven helpline numbers in the control room of the Union Home Ministry. Recently, the Ministry introduced two more helpline numbers — 1930 (all India toll-free number) and 1944 (dedicated to the Northeast) for such complaints.