Infected Blood Victims Face Further Harm Due to Compensation Delays

Thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal are facing further harm due to delays in receiving compensation, according to the chair of the public inquiry into the disaster, Sir Brian Langstaff. The scandal, which saw around 30,000 people infected with HIV and hepatitis B or C in the 1970s and 80s, has led to the government setting aside £11.8bn for compensation payments. However, only 460 victims have received full compensation so far.

The main report of the inquiry highlighted that the disaster could have been largely avoided with different decisions by health authorities at the time. Sir Brian's recent 200-page report emphasized that victims have been mistreated over the past year, calling for urgent action to provide a fair and fast compensation settlement.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has asked 2,043 people to start their claims, but delays persist in processing these claims. The Haemophilia Society has criticized the government's failure to address the needs of those affected by the scandal, urging for a more transparent and inclusive compensation system.

Sir Brian's recommendations include allowing victims to apply for compensation, prioritizing seriously ill or older victims, and addressing past injustices in the compensation scheme. He emphasized the importance of consulting and involving those affected in decision-making processes to prevent future mistakes.

According to the source: BBC.