The UK government has finally announced substantial changes to the compensation scheme for victims of the infected blood scandal. This decision follows intense pressure from campaigners and a damning report from the public inquiry.
For decades, thousands of people suffered after receiving contaminated blood products through the NHS. Many contracted HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Now, after years of delays, officials promise faster and fairer payments.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the victims’ pain. He stated that trust must be restored after systemic failures. The new measures aim to address long-standing grievances.
Earlier this month, inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff criticized the compensation process. He called it “profoundly unsatisfactory” and accused authorities of further harming victims. His report contained 16 key recommendations.
The government has accepted seven recommendations immediately. Meanwhile, others will undergo further consultation. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) pledged to implement all remaining suggestions.
First, a new registration system will let victims apply directly instead of waiting for invitations. Second, widows will receive support payments until their claims are finalized. Third, HIV patients infected before 1982 can now seek compensation.
Additionally, officials will review payments for victims subjected to unethical medical research. The rules for deceased claimants have also changed. Families can now receive payouts if their loved ones died before December 2031.
Victims’ groups cautiously welcomed the announcement. Andy Evans of Tainted Blood called it a step forward. However, he stressed that unresolved issues remain.
For instance, hepatitis C patients argue that interferon treatment side effects deserve recognition. Psychological harm assessments also need refinement. The government promised further discussions on these matters.
Thomas-Symonds confirmed an extra £1 billion in funding. This adds to the existing £11.8 billion budget. A full cost update will come in the autumn budget.
Campaigners vow to keep pushing for justice. They insist that substantial changes must translate into real accountability. After decades of suffering, victims demand nothing less. The fight for fair compensation continues. Yet, with these substantial changes, hope finally glimmers for those betrayed by the system.
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