**Revealed: UK Government Was Warned of Infected Blood Risks in the 1970s**
As the Infected Blood Inquiry prepares to release its report on the scandal that has claimed 3,000 lives in Britain, new evidence has emerged showing that government officials were warned of the risks of using infected blood plasma in the 1970s.
**Risky Imports**
Documents obtained by The Telegraph reveal that UK officials were aware of the potential for contamination in blood plasma imported from the United States, where it was collected from high-risk groups such as inmates, intravenous drug users, and sex workers.
**Conflict of Interests**
Despite these warnings, the UK continued to import US blood plasma, and some doctors treating patients with hemophilia also had financial ties to pharmaceutical companies that manufactured the infected products.
**Downplaying the Risks**
In the early 1980s, as cases of HIV and hepatitis C emerged among hemophilia patients, some doctors downplayed the risks. Dr. Peter Jones, a leading specialist, said in 1983: “We have absolutely no doubt at all that the benefits are far greater than the risk.”
**Industry Influence**
The pharmaceutical industry played a significant role in influencing the use of infected blood products. Companies offered grants to researchers, sponsored trips for medical staff, and provided branded goods to patients.
**Ignored Warnings**
Despite mounting evidence of the risks, the UK government failed to take decisive action. As a result, thousands of people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C, leading to a tragic loss of life.
**Calls for Accountability**
Survivors and bereaved relatives are now demanding answers from the government and compensation for the suffering caused by the infected blood scandal. The Infected Blood Inquiry is expected to release its report on May 20th, which could shed light on the failures that led to this tragedy.
“My mum gave the injections that killed my brothers”: how UK’s infected blood scandal has torn lives apart
Deepika 
Divya