Overview of the Infected Blood Scandal
Between the 1970s and early 1990s, over 30,000 individuals in the United Kingdom were infected with viruses like hepatitis and HIV due to contaminated blood transfusions. This scandal has been described as one of the biggest treatment disasters in the history of the National Health Service (NHS).
Victims of the Scandal
- Those who needed blood transfusions in surgeries or after accidents
- Individuals with blood disorders like haemophilia who received donated blood plasma products
Apology from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a formal apology to the victims, acknowledging the failures of the British state and promising compensation. He described the findings of the report as a “day of shame” for the nation.
Revelations from the Report
The 2,500-page report revealed a series of failures that led to catastrophic consequences for those affected by the scandal. It highlighted issues such as inadequate screening of blood donors, importation of blood products from risky sources, and unnecessary transfusions.
Furthermore, attempts were made to cover up the scandal, including the destruction of crucial documents by health department officials in 1993.
As of now, the government has not disclosed the details of the compensation payments that will be provided to the victims and their families.
