London, UK – A final compensation scheme for victims of contaminated blood products is on track to be established by the end of the year following a crucial decision by the government. The ruling means that the scheme must be implemented within three months after the law is approved, marking a significant step towards justice for those affected by the scandal.
More than 30,000 NHS patients were exposed to contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 80s, leading to what has been described as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the UK health service. It is estimated that around 3,000 individuals died after contracting HIV or hepatitis C from the tainted treatments.
In response to mounting pressure and calls for action, the government initiated interim payments in November 2022, providing £100,000 each to approximately 4,000 surviving victims and their families. However, advocates emphasize the urgency of expediting the compensation process, citing that one infected individual dies every four days due to the contaminated treatments.
Campaigners have been vocal in demanding swift action to address the long-standing injustice. The chair of the public inquiry into the scandal, Sir Brian Langstaff, urged the immediate establishment of a comprehensive compensation scheme and proposed extending interim payments to affected children and parents.
Following concerns over potential delays, the government faced criticism for attempting to introduce amendments that could hinder the implementation of the compensation scheme. However, under pressure from opposition parties, ministers agreed to the stipulation that the final compensation system must be operational within three months of the Victims and Prisoners Bill becoming law.
Acknowledging the significance of the decision, Labour’s shadow minister emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for fulfilling its commitment to expedite the compensation process. With the final report of the public inquiry set to be released in May, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is not further delayed for the victims of the infected blood scandal.