Ten victims of the infected blood scandal have been offered a share of more than £13 million pounds, the government has confirmed.
The first compensation payments will be sent out this week, marking a historical milestone in the victims' fight for justice.
More than 30,000 people were infected with potentially deadly viruses between the 1970s and early 1990s as they received blood transfusions or blood products while undergoing NHS care. Some 3,000 people died as a result and survivors are living with lifelong health implications.
Today, the Cabinet Office announced that ten people have been offered compensation totalling over £13 million. The government said the "first few people" have accepted offers and are due to receive payment in the coming days.
The individuals, whose identities are being kept private, were infected with illnesses as a result of receiving infected blood and infected blood products. An additional 25 victims have been invited to make a claim for compensation and will soon receive offers from the government.
In the Autumn Budget, announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves earlier this year, the government announced it would put a total of £11.8 billion towards compensation for victims.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: "This government promised to deliver action on infected blood compensation, and today is a vital step towards delivering justice for people who have waited far too long for compensation.
"No amount of compensation can fully address the suffering as a result of this scandal, but I hope this shows that we are doing everything possible to deliver significant compensation to people infected and affected. That is why this government set aside £11.8 billion for this scheme in the Budget.
"After so many years of injustice, I hope that this brings some reassurance to a community who have suffered immeasurably that action is being taken."
The government said compensation is being delivered by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which was established as an independent organisation in May this year following recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
The government's compensation scheme for infected and affected victims of infected blood is based on recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry, Sir Robert Francis KC who contributed to the inquiry, and a group of independent legal, healthcare and financial experts.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ten-victims-infected-blood-scandal-142216438.html
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