The MDU will reduce indemnity subscriptions for GPs and primary care staff working in England ‘by around 50%’ ahead of anticipated support from the government with indemnity costs.
The move comes after health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced at the RCGP annual conference in Liverpool on Thursday that the government will introduce a ‘state-backed indemnity scheme for general practice’ for NHS work from April 2019.
The MDU said it would contact all of its GP members working under an NHS England contract, and that members renewing their membership or joining the MDU from 1 November 2017 will be offered quotes at around half current rates.
State GP indemnity deal
It added that the discount will form a ‘transitional benefit’ in anticipation of the state-funded scheme coming into effect in 18 months’ time.
The medical defence organisation said members can continue to report claims to the MDU as normal during this interim period, and the discounted subscriptions will apply to the whole practice team for work under an NHS England contract.
Dr Christine Tomkins, MDU chief executive, said: ‘We anticipate the government will introduce in the near future a state-backed indemnity scheme for primary care in England.
‘To be workable, the scheme will not only need to pick up new GP claims, but also claims costs which have not already been paid for GPs working under an NHS England contract.
GP campaign
‘This will be a welcome development for GPs, especially those who have taken part in our Save General Practice campaign and helped to bring about this change.
‘In the meantime, we want to pass on to our primary care members in England, some of the savings we anticipate will follow the scheme’s introduction.
‘This means significantly reduced subscriptions for our members working in primary care in England, which is great news at a time when GPs are struggling with indemnity costs.’
The MDU added that GP members working in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will not be affected by the change, as no state indemnity plans have been announced outside of England.
- MDU professional services director Matt Lee will be running a session at the RCGP annual conference in Liverpool about the MDU's plans at 12.50pm on Friday in mini theatre 2.
