Compensation Begins for UK's Tainted Blood Scandal Victims

In a step towards justice, Britain has started paying out $16. 5 million to the first 10 victims who received blood contaminated with Hepatitis C and HIV decades ago. This comes after a long struggle for those affected by the scandal, which spanned from the 1970s to the 1990s. Many people received infected clotting factor products during this time. The government has set up the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to handle compensation claims. So far, 25 more people have been invited to make their claims and will also receive offers for compensation. The authority plans to expand the program next year. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, expressed hope that this compensation brings some relief to the victims who have suffered greatly. The current government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has allocated nearly $15 billion for this purpose.