Ordinance relating to safety of health workers promulgated; Beating up health workers is punishable by three years in prison

President Bidya Devi Bhandari today issued the Ordinance on Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions (First Amendment), 2078 BS today.

President Bhandari issued the Ordinance on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114(1) of the Constitution of Nepal, according to a press statement released by the Office of the President-Shital Niwas.

Beating up health workers is punishable according to the provision stated in the Ordinance on the Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions.

Thrashing or injuring health workers is punishable by three years in prison or slapping of Rs 300,000 in fine or both, according to Clause 3 of the Ordinance on the Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions (First Amendment), 2078 that was issued on Sunday by President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Attack and vandalism of health institutions are subject to three years of imprisonment or Rs 300,000 in fine or both. Likewise, torching health institutions is punishable by two to five years in prison or slapping of Rs 200,000 or Rs 500,000 in fine or both.

Similarly, activities like padlocking health institutions, interfering in the treatment of patients, and manhandling and ill-treatment of health workers are subject to up to one year in prison and slapping of Rs 100,000 in fine or both.

The ordinance states that if the property of the health institution is damaged due to vandalism and arson, the amount equal to the damage shall be incurred from the perpetrator.