New Delhi: The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) will be responsible for awarding compensation to those affected by the Infected Blood scandal, the UK government said in a press statement Friday.
It added that the Authority has been created following the passage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which was granted Royal Assent on 24 May 2024.
The IBCA will be led by Sir Robert Francis KC. Sir Robert has been appointed as Interim Chair of the Authority and will continue to engage with the Infected Blood community.
The Government has committed to making the final regulations for the compensation scheme available within three months, said the press statement, adding that interim payments made to those living with an infection will continue until the final regulations are made available.
It also said that the government has already made an interim payment of £210,000 to those affected by the scandal and that this payment will be made by the NHS Business Services Authority and equivalent organisations.
The IBCA will start accepting applications for compensation from 21 May 2024. The deadline for the submission of claims is 20 August 2024.