Infected blood compensation fears as inquiry reopens

Infected blood compensation fears as inquiry reopens

As the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal reopens, victims are expressing concerns over the delays in compensation payments. More than 30,000 people in the UK were given contaminated blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s, with the government having paid nearly £80m in compensation from a fund of £11.8bn. Gary Webster, who was infected with HIV and hepatitis C as a schoolboy, criticized the slow pace of payments, stating that people feared they would not live to see justice served.

Since the release of the main inquiry report in May 2024, concerns have been growing among those affected by the scandal. The government aims to pay all infected individuals by the end of 2027 and all affected individuals by the end of 2029. However, with two people dying per week, many fear they will never receive the compensation they deserve. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority has been urged to speed up payments to provide relief to those affected by the scandal.

The inquiry, which previously revealed the extent of the tragedy that resulted in the deaths of about 3,000 people, is holding hearings to evaluate the government’s response to compensation. Campaigners are hopeful that the reopened inquiry will lead to urgent actions to address the delays and uncertainties faced by victims and their families. Solicitors representing those impacted by the scandal emphasize the importance of prompt justice, as many individuals are dying without ever receiving compensation.

Rachel Halford from The Hepatitis C Trust called for a significant change in the government’s approach to the scandal, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and independent compensation system. Despite the challenges, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority is working to process claims more rapidly. As the government acknowledges the suffering of victims, efforts are being made to expedite compensation payments and provide closure to those affected by one of the most devastating health scandals in UK history

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