KATHMANDU: 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 a 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), 2021 that was issued Sunday by President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Attack and vandalism of health institutions is 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 a 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 a 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.