The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 amended which of the following Acts?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
· The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 was introduced to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
· This amendment was brought in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide greater protection to healthcare workers, ensuring their safety and security.
· It introduced stringent penalties for any form of violence against healthcare personnel or damage to healthcare infrastructure during epidemics.
Information Booster:
· The original Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 was enacted to tackle the spread of bubonic plague in India and provides the government with the authority to implement measures to control epidemics.
· The 2020 amendment sought to address gaps in the law, particularly focusing on protecting healthcare workers.
· The ordinance makes violence against healthcare workers a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.
· The amendment was a significant step during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reports of violence and discrimination against healthcare personnel had risen.