EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT
1. Context
- Last month, the Indian government amended the Epidemic Disease Act of 1897 to criminalize attacks on healthcare workers.
- This move came in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to protect frontline medical personnel during health emergencies.
- The Act, a relic of the colonial era, empowers state governments to enact special measures and penalties during epidemics while providing legal immunity for actions taken in good faith.
2. About Epidemic
- An epidemic is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease in a particular population over a short period.
- It is usually caused by a contagious disease that can spread easily from person to person.
- The term epidemic is often used interchangeably with the term pandemic, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
- An epidemic is a localized outbreak of a disease, while a pandemic is a global outbreak.
3. Difference between an Epidemic and a Pandemic
- The main difference between an epidemic and a pandemic is the geographic spread of the disease.
- An epidemic is a disease outbreak that is limited to a specific geographic area, while a pandemic is a disease outbreak that has spread to multiple continents or the entire world.
| Characteristic | Epidemic | Pandemic |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic spread | Limited to a specific geographic area | Multiple continents or the entire world |
| Number of cases | Relatively small number of cases | Large number of cases |
| Severity of the disease | Can be mild or severe | Can be severe and often fatal |
| Impact on society | Can have a significant impact on a local community | Can have a devastating impact on the global economy and society |
| Examples |
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4. About the Epidemic Diseases Act
- The Epidemic Diseases Bill was introduced by Council member J Woodburn on January 28, 1897, during a bubonic plague outbreak in Bombay.
- Woodburn emphasized the need for swift action to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of India.
- He pointed out that existing powers granted to municipal bodies and local governments were insufficient to address the crisis adequately.
- Concerns about the international community's alarm and speculation by Russia that the entire subcontinent might be infected further fueled the urgency.
- The Bill proposed granting special powers to Indian provinces and local bodies, including the inspection of passengers on trains and sea routes, as well as addressing sanitation issues such as overcrowding, neglected latrines, filth accumulation, unsanitary livestock facilities, and waste disposal.
- A Select Committee led by James Westland swiftly reviewed the Bill, submitting its report on February 4, 1897.
- The Bill was subsequently passed on the same day following a brief discussion.
- The urgency stemmed from the disease's rapid spread, with individuals from Bombay dispersing throughout India.
- Calcutta, the Indian capital at the time, was a particular cause for concern.
5. Recent Amendments
- In a recent development, on April 22, the Cabinet issued an ordinance amending the Act.
- The amendments stipulate that commission or abetment of violence against healthcare service personnel will result in imprisonment ranging from three months to five years and fines between Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
- In cases involving grievous harm, the imprisonment term may extend from six months to seven years, accompanied by fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
6. Differences between the Epidemic Diseases Act, of 1897 and the amended Epidemic Diseases Act, of 2022
The key differences between the Epidemic Diseases Act, of 1897 and the amended Epidemic Diseases Act, of 2022
| Feature | Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 | Amended Epidemic Diseases Act, 2022 |
| Applies to | Epidemic diseases that are notified by the government | All epidemic diseases, regardless of whether they are notified |
| Powers of government | To take a wide range of measures to control epidemics, including isolation, quarantine, and vaccination | To take "such measures as may be necessary" to control epidemics |
| Protection for healthcare workers | No specific provisions | Attacks on healthcare workers are a cognizable, non-bailable offence, and the maximum punishment for causing grievous hurt to a healthcare worker is now seven years in prison |
| Protection for actions taken in good faith | Applies to government officials only | Applies to healthcare workers as well |
7. Conclusion
- The amendments to the Epidemic Disease Act reflect India's commitment to safeguarding healthcare workers during health crises.
- These changes, rooted in historical necessity and driven by the urgency of combating contagious diseases, provide essential legal protection for those on the frontline of healthcare during emergencies.
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For Prelims: Epidemic, Pandemic, Plague, COVID-19, cholera, HIV/AIDS, Asian flu, Hong Kong flu
For Mains:
1. Define an epidemic and a pandemic. Highlight the key differences between the two, with examples. Explain how the geographic spread of a disease influences its classification as an epidemic or a pandemic. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu.
2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu.
3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
2. Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? (UPSC 2015)
A. Syria and Jordan
B. Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
C. Philippines and Papua New Guinea
D. Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
Answer: B
3. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
4. Cholera is caused by the bacteria called- (RRB JE ME 2019)
A. Salmonella typhi B. Clostridium botulinum C. Treponema palladium D. Vibrio cholerae
Answer: D
5. Which one of the following statements regarding Cholera is correct? (NDA 2019)
A. Cholera is a disease that causes loss of memory
B. Cholera is a disease of muscles due to consumption of alcohol
C. Cholera is a disease due to consumption of contaminated food or water
D. Cholera is a genetic disease
Answer: C
6. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (UPSC 2015)
A. AIDS B. Bird flu C. Dengue D. Swine flu
Answer: D
7. Which of the following is the Bird Flu Virus also known as Avian Flu Virus?(BSSC CGL 2011)
A. H5N1 B. H1N5 C. N5H1 D. N1H5
Answer: A
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Source: The Indian Express
