Government, which was caught napping in the case of hepatitis-B epidemic in Modasa and its adjoining villages, has decided to enact a law to take strong measures to protect public health. It will be Public Health Act.

This was announced by health minister Jaynarayan Vyas in the House. He said after Modasa experience and subsequent careless role of some medical practitioners, government has decided to enact a law to take strong action against them.

All kind of medical practitioners will be required to register with the government and will be liable to provide the services standardised by the government. They will have to maintain standard infrastructure and proper records. Those who violate the rules of the law will be fined and legal action will follow.

The Act is needed to make the treatment given to patients completely safe and control the risky behaviours of medical practitioners, . 

Vyas said that so far 49 people have died and 165 people have been infected by hepatitis-B virus. According to reports of NIV, NICD and AIIMS, one of the causes of spread hep-B could be human error/negligence.

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication