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The Independent Pharmacy Contractors Network (IPCN), a group of pharmacists that recently emerged claiming to represent the interests of independents across the UK, has launched indemnity insurance for its members.

Just days after the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said it would offer its members professional liability insurance, which caused concern because of its requirement that pharmacists opt out if they do not want it, the IPCN launched professional indemnity insurance specifically for independents.

The IPCN is offering the service to its 460 members in “collaboration” with the insurance broker AssuredPartners International. AssuredPartners said the insurance includes liability coverage, property insurance and business interruption protection.

“By combining a deep understanding of the pharmacy sector with healthcare insurance expertise, this partnership promises to provide unparalleled support to independent pharmacy contractors,” it said.

IPCN director Dervis Alkan Gurol said: “By offering our members bespoke insurances that are industry specific, we’re reinforcing our dedication to supporting independent pharmacies not just in business, but in every aspect of their professional journey.”

Another IPCN director Tas Bhatti, who is also a senior partner at Avicenna Sanatio LLP, told Independent Community Pharmacist IPCN has “formalised as a co-operative organisation” and has 10 board members “who manage the day-to-day activities”.

The group’s members are mainly in England and Wales. Bhatti and Gurol are the only two people listed by Companies House as directors of IPCN but Bhatti said “more will follow”.

Bhatti described IPCN as "a grass roots movement that has been advocating for collaboration between contractors for some years" and said it has mambers "ranging from one pharmacy to members who have 100-plus pharmacies".

"We support each other with both the day-to-day challenges of community pharmacy as well and strategic lobbying to move the pharmacy agenda forward," he told ICP.