Although we don't have the exact number of Thalidomide survivors in Malta, the Maltese Thalidomide Association (Stand Up for Thalidomide Malta) estimates that there are around 30 to 40 survivors living with disabilities related directly to the effects of the same drug in Malta.

These survivors, unlike German and UK survivors, have never been compensated for the gross negligence of the German manufacturer and even the British Authorities who despite an international ban failed to act accordingly and ban the drug from Malta between 1961 and 1968.

This led to hundreds of miscarriages (premature fetuses being described as cancer babies) and children being born with deformities in Malta during the same period.

MEP Agius Saliba said that after 60 years from the tragedy that engulfed Malta, Europe and the world with the placing on the market of the Thalidomide drug, the effects on the survivors are still predominant.

He noted that responsibility for this human tragedy has only been partly shouldered and until this very day, thousands of Thalidomide survivors around Europe are still facing many difficulties.

Furthermore, MEP Agius Saliba commented that despite the motion for a resolution, which has been voted by the European Parliament on 12 December 2016, the progress with regards to the compensation for victims has been very limited.

Both Chemie Grunenthal GmbH and the German Federal Government who interfered in the criminal proceedings against the same company must shoulder responsibility and also the Member States in question should together shoulder responsibility when it comes to survivors compensation. 

“One must keep in mind that many survivors around Europe are unable to pay for funding to cover the costs of social services.

This is one of the biggest concerns of thalidomide survivors who are today in their 50’s and 60’s since their carers, who are often their family members, are not able to continue taking care of them because of illness, old age or death,” continued MEP Agius Saliba.

Agius Saliba said that he has asked the European Commission to act and ensure the full implementation of the 2016 European Parliament’s motion for a resolution on support for Thalidomide survivors and to set up a framework protocol at the European level where all EU citizens affected by Thalidomide would receive compensation amounts regardless from which EU Member State they come from.

Furthermore, he also asked the Commission to draw up an EU program for assistance and support including financial and welfare provisions for Thalidomide victims and their families.