TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia AIDS Coalition (IAC) applauded the government for approving distribution license for Hepatitis C medicine. Hopefully, the distribution license can help in providing access to medicinal treatment for Hepatitis C patient and resulted in lowering the disease's mortality rate.
"This is a major victory for all Indonesian. Finally the government decided to stand on our side and provides distribution license for generic Sofosbuvir medicine," said IAC Executive Directir Aditya Wardana on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.
Aditya added that more than 3 million Indonesians suffering from Hepatitis C have been waiting a long time for the medicine. Aditya also encourage doctors to provide Sofosbuvir prescription for Hepatitis C patients.
Aditya claimed that generic Sofosbuvir medicine is an effective cure for Hepatitis C because it has only mild side effects and affordable price.
Aditya also reminded Health Minister Nila Moeloek of her commitment to make Sofosbuvir available through the National Health Insurance program.
In the United States, Sofosbuvir has been marketed since 2013. However, the patented version of the medicine can cost up US$84,000 for a course of treatment for 12 weeks. Currently, a Hepatitis C patient could spent US$700 for a course of treatment.
AMIRULLAH