The UK is reeling from an infected blood scandal. Thousands of people who were given blood infected with the deadly disease virus in the 1970s and 80s will be paid about £210,000 in compensation. Family members of the victims who are no longer alive can apply for compensation.
In the report published on May 20 regarding the incident, known as the ‘infected blood scandal’ and stated to be the worst treatment disaster in the history of the country, it is stated that approximately 3 thousand people died after contaminated blood transfusions. The death toll is expected to rise from now on.
The report, prepared by former judge Brian Langstaff, states that doctors, the NHS and other health institutions, and successive governments “repeatedly” failed those affected. Langstaff identifies a series of failures in the health system that resulted in a “catastrophe”.
Commenting on the report, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a moral failure that has gone on for years”.
The government today announced a compensation package for those affected.
John Glen, the government’s payments official, told the House of Commons that those affected are still dying every week from infection and that some will not live to receive compensation.
Glen therefore announced that the government will make interim payments of £210,000 to “living beneficiaries” within 90 days before the final program is established.
The first final payments are expected to be made before the end of 2024.
