Malta has allocated a sum of €3 million as compensation for victims of the Thalidomide pill after Cabinet approved a one-time compensation to those born with disabilities due to side-effects caused by pregnant mothers taking the medicine.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, despite not having been tested on pregnant people, the Thalidomide pill was used to “treat” morning sickness.

In many cases, use of Thalidomide during pregnancy resulted in the development of often fatal abnormalities, and phocomelia, the malformation of limbs.

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli announced that Malta has allocated the sum of €3 million as compensation, which will be paid out over a number of years. 

She discussed the intervention made in Parliament by then opposition leader Dom Mintoff on 5th September 1962.

He requested the Thalidomide pill be withdrawn from the market.

Mintoff did so after it had been proven that Thalidomide use during pregnancy was leading to babies being born with severe disabilities. 600 babies in England were born without hands or feet, while 5,000 were born in this condition in Germany.

Malta’s government rejected Mintoff’s appeal, and Thalidomide remained on the market. 

Earlier this year, a public appeal set out to establish how many people were victims of Thalidomide in Malta, and 34 people came forward.

In the coming weeks, an independent board led by medical experts will assess each case to establish whether the concerned individuals are actually victims of the Thalidomide pill – and what proportion of their disabilities can be attributed to Thalidomide. 

After this long, and given the severity of Thalidomide caused disorders, many of these victims are likely not to have survived.

For those that have, at least, perhaps this decision could bring some closure and respite, once the independent board of medical experts has determined that they are eligible.

Farrugia Portelli expressed satisfaction that after 61 years, this Government has served as a voice for these people and their families.