Cosmetic surgery industry insurance scheme proposal

Published on Saturday 21 January 2012 00:00

An INSURANCE scheme for cosmetic surgery patients could be introduced in the wake of the breast implant scandal.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, who is leading a government review into the risks from faulty breast implants, said the scheme would protect consumers.

Around 40,000 women in the UK received implants manufactured by the now-closed French company Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP), which were filled with non-medical grade silicone.

Although there is no clear evidence PIP implants cause harm, the government has said patients who had their surgery on the NHS will be able to have the implants removed and replaced free of charge. If there is a clinical need, the NHS will also pay to remove – but not replace – implants if a private clinic refuses to do so or if it no longer exists.

Transform, and the Harley Medical Group – which fitted PIP breast implants to almost 14,000 British women – are among the private firms which have refused to replace the implants for free, despite the government saying private clinics have a moral duty to look after their customers.

Sir Bruce, the medical director of the NHS, said the scheme under consideration would be similar to the travel industry insurance protection scheme. Under this, companies pay a subscription to become members of Association of British Travel Agents, which provides a fund for people to fall back on if something goes wrong.

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