Two Dutch lawyers representing women who have suffered health problems due to leaking PIP breast implants have announced that they are investigating whether it is possible to file a joint claim on behalf of their clients against the Dutch Health Care Inspectorate (IGZ).

The lawyers say there is strong evidence that the inspectorate ignored reports of problems with the silicone implants for years. The lawyers will be organising an information and advice meeting for women who have suffered ill-health due to the leaking silicone implants. So far, 23 women have contacted the lawyers for advice. The health inspectorate says there are around 2,700 women in the Netherlands who have had PIP breast implants.

Sorgdrager Commission
A commission led by former health minister Winnie Sorgdrager is currently investigating the IGZ's handling of complaints about malpractice in the medical industry, including the problems surrounding the French-made PIP implants.

Earlier this year, Health Minister Edith Schippers acknowledged that measures and processes designed to ensure the quality of the breast implants had failed. However, the commission has not yet determined who is responsible for the failure to adequately safeguard the quality of the PIP implants. The Sorgdrager Commission is expected to make its report in the autumn.

(jric)
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