Mumbai: Assault on doctors is now a cognisable and non-bailable offence in Maharashtra with the 'Maharashtra Medical Services Persons and Medical Institutions (Prevention of Violence & Damages or Loss of Property) Ordinance 2010' coming into force in the state.
The ordinance includes a provision to award three years imprisonment for assault on doctors. The offence will be cognisable and non-bailable, an official release said.
The ordinance also mentions a liability clause, holding the hospital and medical practitioner responsible if a case of negligence is proved against them, it said.
Private medical practitioners in the state have been protesting against growing incidents of assaults on their fraternity members and the government's "failure" in enacting a law for their protection. The doctors, led by prominent eye surgeon and JJ Hospital dean Dr T P Lahane, have been pressing for such an ordinance, which has already been implemented by certain states. PTI
