Govt agrees to issue compensation to thalidomide victims

People whose health has been affected by the morning sickness drug thalidomide are to be awarded compensation by the government.

In a new development, the Labour administration has announced that the Department of Health (DoH) will pay £20 million to victims over the course of the next three years.

It will also issue a public apology to the so-called 'thalidomiders'.

Under the terms of a new deal, the DoH - which aims to set national standards, shape the direction of health and social care services and promote healthier living - will give the funding to Thalidomide Trust.

Speaking to the Times, Mikey Argy, chairwoman of the trust's advisory council and herself a victim of the drug, said: "With this settlement, the government is recognising its role and responsibility for the thalidomiders and this money will go some way to assisting us to get the adaptations we need."

She will now be able to pay for alterations to her home, she revealed.