(London) The UK is on the brink of a major revelation as the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal, termed the worst treatment disaster in NHS history, is poised to release its findings. The scandal saw over 30,000 individuals infected with HIV and hepatitis C between 1970 and 1991 due to contaminated blood products and transfusions. Approximately 3,000 victims, many of whom were hemophiliacs, have died since. The inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff, took place from 2019 to 2023 and gathered testimony from victims, health officials, and ministers.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to formally apologize, and the government has recognized the moral imperative to compensate the victims and their families, with interim payments of £100,000 already disbursed to about 4,000 people. The anticipation builds as political figures across party lines agree on the necessity of substantial compensation, despite the expected heavy financial toll. The report’s release, scheduled for 12:30 BST, is seen as a critical moment for justice and clarity for the victims after decades of governmental denial and obfuscation.
