Under the draft’s Article 441, deliberately causing an epidemic through the spread of pathogenic bacteria or viruses will be punishable by no less than 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. If the offense is committed through negligence, the penalty ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison.

Article 442 addresses the intentional transmission of highly contagious diseases. Anyone knowingly spreading such diseases, either by action or omission, faces 2 to 5 years of imprisonment. If the act causes serious health consequences or endangers lives, the sentence increases to 3 to 8 years.

Article 445 of the draft also foresees penalties for those violating legal regulations set to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including during states of emergency.

Disobeying orders for medical examinations, disinfections, quarantines, or other protective measures could lead to a fine or up to three years in prison.

The draft includes strict provisions on pharmaceutical safety as well. The trade, import, or distribution of counterfeit or dangerous medicines will be punishable by 4 to 8 years in prison. Fraud involving the composition, content, or documentation of pharmaceuticals, or any action that compromises the safety, effectiveness, or quality of medical products, will carry penalties ranging from 2 to 8 years.

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