The Saskatchewan government says it will now provide new drug coverage for hepatitis C -- a viral disease that affects the liver.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan says the new drugs, Harvoni and Sovaldi, are better tolerated by patients than other therapies.
The drugs are said to cure 90 to 98 per cent of patients in as little as eight to 12 weeks.
The government expects to provide coverage for about 1,100 patients over the next three years who meet the criteria for these therapies.
The cost will be up to $10 million in the first year.
Dr. Stephen Sanche of the Royal University Hospital praised the government's decision.
