An idea whose time has come: Compensation for vaccine-related injuries and death in India

Indian J Med Ethics. 2017 Apr-Jun;2(2):93-98. doi: 10.20529/ijme.2017.023.

Abstract

This paper emphasises the urgent need for a compensation policy for those affected by adverse events following immunisation in India. In the absence of such a mechanism in the country, people claim compensation by taking recourse to tort law and have to face the ensuing uncertainty and challenges with regard to the award of compensation. The paper argues that people should be provided compensation in the event of death and serious adverse events following compulsory immunisation, irrespective of whether there is a causal association between the adverse event and the vaccine, on the basis of no fault compensation.

MeSH terms

  • Compensation and Redress / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Death
  • Drug Industry / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Liability, Legal*
  • Malpractice / economics*
  • Malpractice / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Vaccination / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Vaccines / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Vaccines