*A report said that doctors were spat at and chased away from their homes.

*Some physicians and families were ostracized by the tenants

*A few days ago the burial of Samuel Hercules, a senior doctor in Chennai was disrupted by violent protesters, due to fear of the spread of the Coronavirus

There have been many such cases from the across the nation. The medical fraternity is under tremendous pressure in India and across the world. In the war against the Coronavirus Pandemic, they are our `frontline warriors’ yet the attacks continue.

A doctor on condition of anonymity said, “we can understand that people are under pressure because nobody is mentally prepared for this. The anger spills over as an attack. But nothing can justify violence, especially against doctors during a national health emergency.” he added.

A number of doctors have tested COVID-19 positive across India. Many have even succumbed to the disease and that shows how tough the job is. “We are following all safety protocols. We are not meeting even our families and that is stressful.”

Many continue work as there is really no other option. But there are others who want to protest.

The doctors’ body had warned that they would observe a ‘Black Day’ if no action is taken by the government and doctors in the country will work with black badges on April 23.

Attack on Health workers-an offence

However, the government acted well in time and after the Indian Medical Association held talks with Union Minister Amit Shah; they have been assured adequate security.

 Yesterday, the central government on Wednesday brought an ordinance under which any person who attacks a health worker who is treating Covid-19 cases can be jailed for a maximum of seven years. The ordinance was brought in to amend the century old Epidemic Act.

Addressing a press conference, Union minister Prakash Javdekar said the ordinance has been brought in to “save health workers and other corona warriors”.

Under the new law, attack on health workers is a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

 For timely action, the ordinance stipulates a period of 30 days under which investigation on attack against health workers must be completed.

 State governments have also been directed to take stringent action against offenders who are found preventing families of healthcare professionals or other frontline workers from performing the last rites of people who have died after contracting coronavirus.

Healthcare workers also highlighted the need to ensure that they are provided personal protective equipment in hospitals.