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.
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Israeli troops withdrawn from Gaza to prepare Rafah operation: Defense minister
IPL form barely considered for India T20 World Cup squad, skipper Sharma says
US oil imports up, exports down last week
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Swiatek returns to Madrid Open final by beating Keys in straight sets
China, Vietnam hold 8th border defense friendship exchange
What defines a heartbeat? Judge hears arguments in South Carolina abortion case
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
Economists see need for more stimulus
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
Farmer who demolished a 17th century Grade II listed dovecote without permission is fined £45,000