Thalidomide survivors to get help with health care

Thalidomide survivors are to finally benefit from a new multi million pound scheme to help meet their health requirements.

The Thalidomide drug, manufactured by Distillers Biochemicals Limited, was prescribed to women in Britain between April 1958 until December 1961 for morning sickness during pregnancy.

The drug caused severe birth deformities such as missing limbs, with an estimated 3,500 babies dying before their first birthday.

Now a £20 million three-year pilot scheme looking at a personalised way of meeting the health needs of Thalidomide survivors has just been announced by Health Minister Mike O’Brien.

Grant funding will be provided to the Thalidomide Trust to be distributed amongst survivors, to help them manage their conditions.

Currently, the Thalidomide Trust supports 466 individuals between the age of 44 and 50 years of age who have two or four limbs missing.

Health Minister Mike O’Brien said: “I am extremely pleased to announce the details of the three-year pilot scheme agreed with the Thalidomide Trust that will help Thalidomide survivors meet their changing and increasing health needs as they approach older age. I know that this will be a much-anticipated early Christmas present for all those involved.