LONDON (AP) — British authorities and the country’s public health service knowingly exposed tens of thousands of patients to deadly infections through contaminated blood and blood products, and hid the truth about the disaster for decades, an inquiry into the U.K.’s infected blood scandal found Monday.
An estimated 3,000 people in the United Kingdom are believed to have died and many others were left with lifelong illnesses after receiving blood or blood products tainted with HIV or hepatitis in the 1970s to the early 1990s.
The scandal is widely seen as the deadliest disaster in the history of Britain’s state-run National Health Service since its inception in 1948.
Former judge Brian Langstaff, who chaired the inquiry, slammed successive governments and medical professionals for “a catalogue of failures” and refusal to admit responsibility to save face and expense. He found that deliberate attempts were made to conceal the scandal, and there was evidence of government officials destroying documents.
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
Juvenile murder case in North China shines spotlight on school bullying
French PM deploys constitutional power to force passage of pension reform bill
China calls for intensified diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine crisis
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
UN human rights chief urges influential states to prevent escalation between Iran and Israel
China: Political settlement only viable way out of Ukraine crisis
Messi wins 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player Award
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Xi Focus: Xi's 2024 New Year Message Highlights Confidence, People, Global Vision
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Japan hosts G7 foreign ministers' meeting amid protests