A compensation package worth £1.9million for the Thalidomide Trust to help improve support and care facilities for thalidomide survivors in Wales has been announced by First Minister Carwyn Jones.
The extra money will become available in April. It will be split amongst survivors to help pay for their medical expenses and reduce the possibility of the future deterioration of their condition.
The £1.9million in extra compensation will supplement a payout of £20million already granted by the Department of Health last month.
The controversial drug, thalidomide, was prescribed to pregnant women between 1958 and 1961 to fight the symptoms of morning sickness.
The side-effects of the drug were not properly determined and many babies were born with severe physical disabilities. There are 31 such people in Wales.
The First Minister said: “I believe that addressing the ongoing needs of thalidomiders rests with the UK Government as it authorised the use of thalidomide. While survivors in Wales will have access to a share of the funding announced by the Department of Health, I wanted to provide additional funding to ensure that people affected by thalidomide in Wales receive the care and support they need.
“I am pleased that the UK Government has expressed its sincere regret and deep sympathy for the injury and suffering endured by all those affected when expectant mothers took the drug between 1958 and 1961.
“The funding I am announcing today will help thalidomiders manage the continuing and increasing health needs as they get older.
“We will be working with the Thalidomide Trust on how this funding will be distributed to maximise the benefits for individuals.”
Nick Dobrik, a member of the National Advisory Group for the Thalidomide Trust and vocal campaigner, said: “On behalf of the thalidomide community, we would like to thank the Welsh Assembly Government for its speed and generosity in contributing to helping thalidomiders maintain their independence.”
