Malaysia is trying to cope with a troubling number of Hepatitis C cases. 400-thousand people - more than one-percent of the population - are infected with the potentially deadly disease. The high cost of treatment is forcing the government to import generic drugs. That has stirred hope in some but anger from pharmaceutical companies. Rian Maelzer has more.

At one 18 state hospitals now starting to offer free Hepatitis C treatment, Malaysia's health minister meets people infected with the potentially deadly virus. A course of the drug Sofosbuvir used to cost around 13,000 dollars, which only a small fraction of sufferers here could afford. While big drug companies will cut deals with developing countries to reduce costs, Malaysia isn't eligible because it's considered a middle-income country. So the government invoked what's called a Compulsory Licence, allowing it to produce or import generic versions of the drug, and slashing the cost of the drug to around 300 dollars per person.

DR. S. SUBRAMANIAM MALAYSIAN HEALTH MINISTER "We did this once before in the treatment of HIV. In our acts, it does allow for the greater cause of public health to invoke it when we know there is a treatment available."

In combination with another drug, sofosbuvir cures about 95 percent of Hepatitis C cases.

DR. S. SUBRAMANIAM MALAYSIAN HEALTH MINISTER "We respect innovation, we respect discovery, we respect the need for patents, while we also hold to the principle that affordable medication should be made available to those who need it."

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "The pharmaceutical industry has predictably opposed Malaysia's decision and is pushing the United States to take punitive action. But Malaysia – and the World Health Organization – say the move is allowed under World Trade Organization rules."

"We are thankful to the government they are working for the national interest."

Edward Low has Hepatitis C and runs an NGO pushing for access to affordable medicines.

EDWARD LOW POSITIVE MALAYSIAN TREATMENT ACCESS GROUP "When treated they can look after their families especially they have children and can continue sending their children to school and continue back to their work and have a happy family."

Certainly, there will be new hope among Hepatitis C sufferers now that a cure once out of their financial reach is now within their grasp. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.