For conducting any study on the volunteers/patients, it is essential to provide an insurance cover to all the volunteers/patients participating in the research study. The cover should be such that, it would compensate anyone whose health suffers as a result of participation in the trial. The cover should be such that, it will compensate the person without being required to prove as to who was at fault, etc.
This is in addition to the responsibility of providing free medical treatment for any health problems arising out of the participation in the research project.
In India, such policies are freely available and few companies undertaking such insurance coverage are;
1. The New India Assurance Co.Ltd. Division office, 111700 Asian Bldg, 3rd floor, 17 Kamat Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001.
3. Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co.Ltd. Unit No.1, 6th floor, 161, Solitaire Corporate Park, Ghatkopar Link Road, Chakala, Andheri (E),Mumbai 400 093.
The provision of such a cover should be clearly mentioned in the patient information sheet accompanying the informed consent, Specimen Para could be like this,
Compensation by Insurance Cover ----------------------------------Company does not expect you to suffer any health problems by taking part in this trial---------------------------------(company) will compensate anyone whose health suffers as a result of participation in this trial. You do not have to prove that, it was anyone's fault. If the health problems arose because of your participation in this trial you will be compensated.
If it is suspected that your health has been injured, the below named company must be informed immediately, directly by yourself or by your study doctor. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
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