Thalidomide victims to receive payout

The Department of Health has announced a compensation package, amounting to millions of pounds, to be paid to thalidomide victims over the next three years. The Government is also due to issue an apology to those who were disabled because of the thalidomide drug. There are 463 surviving victims who are unable to work and require special homes - the Thalidomide Trust represents these people. £20 million is to be granted to the Trust to distribute amongst those who qualify over a three year period, although it is expected that the money will be extended to cover the lifetime of the victims.



The thalidomide problem came to light after pregnant women, who were prescribed the drug in the 1950s and 1960s to cure morning sickness, gave birth to children who were adversely affected by the drug. A successful legal action in the 1970s did result in compensation payments by the British manufacturer of the drug, Distillers Biochemicals.

posted: 05 Jan 2010