Offline chemists are urging the apex insurance regulator, IRDAI, to bring them under the ambit of professional indemnity insurance coverage and protect the local pharmacists from legal actions taken due to mistakes such as medication errors, incorrect dispensing, adverse drug reactions, and other related complaints. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), which claims to be the oldest lobby of pharmacy professionals in India, has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) requesting “the inclusion of pharmacists under professional indemnity insurance coverage."

In a letter written to Debasish Panda, chairman, IRDAI, the lobby of more than 15,000 pharmacists across India has requested IRDAI to consider this matter with “urgency" and include pharmacists in the list of professionals eligible for professional indemnity insurance. These pharmacists work in the retail sector (such as chemist shops), hospitals and clinical pharmacists across the country.

The move has been supported by the largest lobby of offline pharmacists with over 12 lakh members, the All-India Organization of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD).

“AIOCD supports the IPA’s request to include pharmacists under professional indemnity insurance. Chemists play a vital role in public health and, like doctors and nurses, face professional risks daily. Despite our earlier request for vaccine priority during COVID, our community was overlooked," Rajiv Singhal, general secretary told News18.

Surge in doctors buying indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance is designed to financially protect doctors and other professionals from legal costs and compensation claims made by patients or clients in case of a dispute.

Data shows amidst the rising risk of litigation, doctors are buying professional indemnity insurance. In the last five years, demand for such insurance has spiked by almost 150 times.

According to a 2016 survey by the National Law University, Bengaluru, there has been a 400 per cent increase in claims linked to medical negligence submitted in consumer courts. Although only 10 to 15 per cent of instances were legitimate, with physicians being convicted, the remaining 85 per cent of medical workers were allowed to defend themselves.

Why do pharmacists need claim protection?

The letter explains why pharmacists are seeking legal protection. They believe that their role in patient care – from medication management to counselling – exposes them to risks like medication errors and adverse drug reactions. Hence, to protect them from financial liability and promote accountability, there is a need to include pharmacists under professional indemnity insurance, like doctors and other healthcare professionals.

“Pharmacists are directly involved in medication management, patient counselling, clinical decision-making, and ensuring the rational use of medicines. While essential for patient safety, these responsibilities also expose pharmacists to risks such as medication errors, incorrect dispensing, and adverse drug reactions, among others," Dr Subhash C Mandal, national general secretary, IPA, wrote in the letter dated 10 April.

“In many cases, pharmacists are patients’ first point of contact regarding drug-related inquiries. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive professional indemnity insurance scheme for pharmacists, similar to that provided to other healthcare professionals," the letter said.

Such insurance, IPA believes, will “encourage pharmacists to practice with greater confidence, knowing they have the necessary protection against the risks associated with their profession."

The letter said, “…We would like to request that pharmacists be included under the ambit of professional indemnity insurance coverage. It is our understanding that many healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, as well as other professionals such as engineers, architects, and lawyers, already have access to professional indemnity insurance. However, pharmacists in India currently do not have the same provision, despite their critical role in safeguarding public health."

IPA has concluded the letter by offering help, discussion and further details on the matter. “We are happy to provide further details or discuss this request and its potential benefits for the profession and public health," the IPA wrote.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/chemists-urge-irdai-to-extend-professional-indemnity-insurance-to-protect-them-from-legal-risks-ws-l-9294705.html