More than 1,700 hepatitis C patients have registered with Egypt’s Health Ministry to receive a cure for hepatitis C (HCV) reported Aswat Masriya. The new hepatitis C pill by Gilead Sciences has arrived in Egypt at more than 99 percent discount to the US price. However, for many Egyptians suffering from hepatitis C, the drug remains costly. In Egypt, the drug will cost approximately $US 300 (EGP 2,200) for a 12-week course of treatment, according to the Health Ministry. However, in the United States, the same treatment will cost $US 84,000. On Thursday, Gamal Esmat, member of the Egyptian National Committee on Viral Hepatitis told Aswat Masriya that around 1,7000 people had registered hours after online registration opened on the Health Ministry’s website. The website allows patients to register using their national identification card. Those who register are told within 24 hours which medical centre they should visit for the treatment. At least 26 medical centres across Egypt are equipped to receive HCV patients seeking the new treatment. Patients will have until 14 July 2015 to register for the new treatment, according to the newly launched website. Hepatitis C can…
Thousands register for new hepatitis C drug in Egypt sold at 99 percent discount
September 18, 2014
