Five years ago, the Government launched a process to compensate people born with disabilities as a result of the effects of the Thalidomide pill for the suffering they endured throughout their lives. As a result of this process, the Government approved the payment of a one-off compensation to these victims.
Today, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia announced the reopening of this call for individuals who did not apply.
The Thalidomide pill was used in the 1960s by pregnant women, mainly to relieve nausea known as “morning sickness”. This drug was developed by a German company in the mid-1950s and also began to be produced in the United Kingdom in 1958. Despite being condemned internationally in 1961 due to its serious effects on babies, it remained available in Malta until 1968.
So far, the Government has compensated 29 people who are victims of this pill and are still alive. These individuals underwent a rigorous screening process and physical assessment by medical experts. The assessment determined the percentage of disability suffered, on which the amount of compensation was calculated according to a specially established formula. The victims have already received two payments and are expected to receive the third and final payment later this year.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how “this renewed call is clear evidence of the Government’s firm commitment to addressing historical injustices and to giving the dignity and recognition deserved to the people who suffered the tragic consequences of the Thalidomide pill. For many years, these victims lived with a disability that was not the result of their choice, but of serious shortcomings in past medical and regulatory systems. As a Government, we believe that it is our duty not to turn a blind eye, but to take responsible action. We encourage anyone who thinks they may be a victim to approach the Ministry, so that no one is left out of this process of justice, recognition and social solidarity,” concluded the Minister.
The Government is reopening a call for applications from persons with disabilities who believe they are victims of the Thalidomide pill and who, for some reason, did not apply in the previous call. These persons are encouraged to contact the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering via the email strategysupport.miv@gov.mt by not later than Monday 2 March 2026.
Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Photo: DOI/MIV
