Ministers have granted the Infected Blood Compensation Authority the authority to begin making payments to patients affected by the contaminated blood scandal, with an expected start date of 2024. The scheme will offer compensation to victims who contracted hepatitis C, hepatitis B, or HIV as a result of receiving infected blood treatment between specific dates. Patients or their representatives can choose to receive compensation in either a lump sum or in instalments over a period of time. The government has laid out a detailed policy paper outlining the criteria for payouts, including different levels of compensation depending on the disease contracted and the impact on the patient’s life. There are concerns about potential disparities in compensation amounts for different diseases, with some calling for fair tariffs to ensure victims receive just compensation. The establishment of the IBCA and the compensation scheme comes after years of campaigning by those affected by the scandal, with hopes that this will provide some measure of justice for victims. However, despite the financial compensation being offered, many acknowledge that no amount of money can fully compensate for the suffering endured by those impacted by the infected blood scandal.
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Body given power to start making payments for infected blood compensation in Contaminated Blood Scandal
