NPA raises issue with new Scottish healthcare compensation plans

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has responded to the Scottish government's consultation on no-fault compensation for injuries resulting from clinical treatment by raising several concerns over the plans.

A statement from the industry body has questioned the need for new arrangements on this matter, arguing that no case has been made that the current system applying to community pharmacies is inadequate.

It argued that pharmacy insurers provide an efficient and effective service and that any changes would add greater cost, complexity and bureaucracy, while the NPA also rejected the need for a no-fault scheme covering all clinical treatment injuries.

The body also voiced alarm over the idea of eligibility for compensation not being based on avoidability, noting that all medicines have side effects and that it is impractical for detailed individual guidance on this matter to be given in all cases.

Janice Oman, the NPA's representation manager for Scotland, said: "Before taking the no-fault compensation scheme proposals forward, the Scottish government ought to undertake a full impact assessment to identify the potential costs for community pharmacy and other NHS providers."

Last month, the association called on European pharmacists to ally in order to tackle medicine shortages affecting the region.