Comprehensive Compensation Promised for Infected Blood Scandal Victims
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised comprehensive compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal, saying the government will cover whatever it costs after a damning public inquiry report. The scandal involved over 30,000 people getting infected through NHS treatments from the 1970s to 1990s, and more than 3,000 deaths have occurred. Details of the compensation scheme will be announced, with the report emphasizing the disaster’s avoidability and deliberate cover-ups.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has pledged 'comprehensive compensation' for the victims of the infected blood scandal, promising the government will pay 'whatever it costs' following a damning public inquiry report.
The scandal affected around 30,000 people, with over 3,000 fatalities.
The inquiry found that authorities exposed victims to unacceptable risks and subsequently covered up the NHS’s largest treatment disaster spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s.
The government will disclose compensation details, likely around £10bn, with the Cabinet Office minister John Glen setting out specifics on Tuesday.
Victims were infected with HIV and hepatitis through NHS treatments, and Sir Brian Langstaff's report emphasized that the disaster was avoidable, partly due to deliberate cover-ups.
Interim pay-outs of one hundred thousand pounds have already been distributed to about 4,000 survivors and bereaved partners, with more details of future compensations expected.
The opposition leader, Sir Keir Starmer, also extended his apologies and support for swift financial rectification.