The British government today announced a new 10-year grant of about £80 million (€98 million) to the Thalidomide Trust to aid the health needs of survivors.
Health minister Norman Lamb told MPs in the Commons the new decade-long grant would continue the support begun by the three-year pilot scheme announced by the last administration.
“I should like to report to the House on a new 10-year grant to the Thalidomide Trust to help them find more personalised ways of meeting the health needs of Thalidomide survivors.”
The current three-year grant, which comes to an end in March 2013, was introduced by the previous government as a pilot scheme.
He added: “This government is committed to improving outcomes for all disabled people and supporting them to live independent lives. This is why we are pleased to be able to continue to support the excellent work begun by the pilot scheme through this 10-year commitment.
“Over the next 10 years, the grant will be in the region of £80 million - it will be paid on an annual basis, rising each year in line with inflation.”
Thalidomide was a drug used to combat morning sickness but in some cases caused deformities in developing foetuses during the 1950s and 1960s.
PA