KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — An internal search of UK Department of Health documents through a freedom of information request revealed the names of 139 key files linked to the ongoing HIV and infected blood transfusions scandal.
Activists have claimed that there has been a cover-up to prevent the sharing of documents and information which could be embarrassing for the government.
The news outlet Guardian has been informed that the files involved have now been submitted to the ongoing infected blood inquiry. The inquiry began hearings last week in London.
Patients were given transfusions and blood products in the 1970s and 1980s by the NHS containing HIV and Hepatitis C. The scandal has so far killed more than 3,000 people.
Campaign group Factor 8, submitted a freedom of information request which resulted in the files being revealed. Examination of the titles indicated that the issues covered fundamentals questions being addressed by the inquiry. They expressed disbelief that such files could havbe unintentionally missed in
The list included those titled as “Costing the care of HIV infections in haemophiliacs”, “Screening blood for high-risk donations” and “Blood screening for Aids”.
The inquiry is now assessing the significance of the files.