Use of the generic versions of directly-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs that are available in India to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can increase lifespan while reducing lifetime health care costs says a study. Compared with no DAA treatment use of the generic drugs in HCV-infected Indian patients would increase life expectancy by more than eight years while reducing lifetime health care costs by more than $1300 (Rs. 116442) per person said the study published in the journal PLOS ONE. More than 9 million people are infected with HCV in India and more than 70 million worldwide said Jagpreet Chhatwal