Thousands protest in Spain for better hepatitis C treatment

MADRID (AP) — Thousands of people affected by hepatitis C have marched in several Spanish cities to press for easier access to latest-generation medicines for the deadly liver disease.

The Platform of People Affected by Hepatitis C, which organized the protests, says the government is applying a "confused and selective" approach to treatment by not providing expensive drugs to all patients equally.

It claims the latest drugs, that have up to a 95 percent cure rate, are being supplied to patients with the highest survival potential and not to those in the later stages of the illness.

One protest started early Saturday at Madrid's 12 de Octubre hospital and marched 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's office.

Rajoy has said anyone with a proven case will receive the appropriate treatment.