Britain’s government announced on Tuesday that victims of the UK’s prolonged infected blood scandal will begin receiving their final compensation payments this year.
The scandal, spanning from the 1970s to the early 1990s, is considered one of the deadliest crises in the history of Britain’s National Health Service, established in 1948.
Approximately 3,000 individuals perished after receiving contaminated blood products, resulting in HIV and hepatitis infections. More than 30,000 people were subjected to blood treatments containing tainted blood.
The conclusive report from the UK’s infected blood inquiry, released on Monday, revealed that civil servants and doctors knowingly exposed patients to “unacceptable risks” by administering tainted blood, with successive British governments implicated in covering up the scandal.
British Cabinet Office Minister John Glen announced on Tuesday that many victims would receive an additional interim compensation of $267,000 within three months.
He also stated that family members and caregivers of infected victims are eligible to claim compensation.
“I understand the urgency of the situation, which is why I’m pleased to announce that these payments will be distributed within 90 days, starting in the summer, to ensure they reach those who need them most urgently,” Glen informed lawmakers.
In 2022, officials initially provided interim payments of $127,000 to each victim and their bereaved partners.
However, Des Collins, a lawyer representing over 1,500 victims, revealed that many families have not yet received any payments and lack information on how to claim the payments promised to the estates of deceased victims.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak affirmed on Monday in the House of Commons that comprehensive compensation would be provided to those infected and affected by the scandal.
Glen emphasized that there was “no restriction” on the total cost of the compensation package, although he did not provide a specific figure.
Prime Minister Sunak echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whatever it costs to deliver this scheme, we will pay it.”
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