UK government announce £20 million aid for thalidomide sufferers

The UK government has announced a £20 million package to aid thalidomide survivors. The money will be paid over three years to a trust which helps the survivors.

The Thalidomide Trust, which helps survivors who have been disabled by the drug, will receive the money over the next three years and an apology is expected to be made by the government in parliament next year. The news has been welcomed as a "real benefit" by some thalidomide survivors groups. Pregnant women suffering from insomnia or morning sickness during the 1950's and 1960's were prescribed the drug thalidomide as a treatment but it was withdrawn in 1961 after children were born with deformities. It's a sedative-hypnotic and multiple myeloma medication. In the 1970's families who were affected by the drug won a legal battle which meant that the UK manufacturer of the drug, Distillers Biochemical, paid out roughly £28 million in compensation. Campaigner for thalidomide survivors, Guy Tweedy said, "We are delighted by the announcement of this pilot scheme which should bring real benefits to Thalidomide victims." It's hoped that the new scheme will allow those affected more control over long-term health needs. Under this pilot scheme, the grant would be reviewed in three years.