Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will appear before the Infected Blood Inquiry on Wednesday. He is expected to address the compensation recommendations put forth by the inquiry’s chairman, Sir Brian Langstaff, three months ago.
The Infected Blood Inquiry was established to delve into the devastating events that occurred some 40 years ago. Then an estimated 30,000 individuals in the UK received contaminated blood products, resulting in HIV and hepatitis C infections. Among the affected were numerous NHS patients with haemophilia and other blood disorders, who fell seriously ill after being administered blood transfusions or a new treatment known as factor VIII or IX.
During the 1970s, the medication in question was imported from the United States. It was derived from pooled blood plasma from thousands of paid donors, including individuals from high-risk groups such as prisoners and drug users. Tragically, if even one donor was infected with blood-borne virus-like hepatitis or HIV. The entire batch of medication could become contaminated, leading to catastrophic consequences.
2,900 Lives Lost in the NHS’ Worst Treatment Disaster
The scale of the disaster was staggering, with approximately 2,900 people losing their lives in what is now considered the most severe treatment catastrophe in the history of the National Health Service (NHS).
While some victims have received financial support, many have not been fully compensated. Sparking outcry from bereaved families who demand justice. The Infected Blood Inquiry has called on the government to establish an independent compensation body as soon as possible. Preferably before the final report scheduled for release in the autumn.
Bereaved families are anxiously awaiting Downing Street’s response to the compensation recommendations laid out by the inquiry. Speculation abounds that implementing the proposed compensation could result in significant costs for the government. Potentially amounting to billions of pounds.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s appearance before the inquiry represents a critical juncture in addressing the long-standing grievances of the victims and their families. As the nation grapples with the legacy of this tragic chapter in medical history. The hope is that this inquiry will shed light on the extent of authorities’ response to the crisis and whether any cover-up was involved.