The Manitoba government is adding 120 drugs to pharmacare, including some for cancer, strokes, and hepatitis.

"Our government is continuing to enhance and expand Manitoba's highly regarded pharmacare program to help ensure families get the prescription drugs they need," Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced in a press release.

"Today, we have added new drugs to pharmacare coverage including medications for stroke prevention, psoriasis and hepatitis C, diabetes testing supplies, as well as the first drug addition to our new Home Cancer Drug Program."

Coverage is also being added for an assortment of products used in the treatment of diabetes including the Accu-Chek mobile blood glucose test cassette, ulticare pen needles 32 gauge and a variety of test strips.

"Dozens of additional generic drugs have also been added to pharmacare today, which are available at a lower price than the brand-name alternatives, saving both pharmacare and patients money," Oswald said.

"In addition, the province has negotiated even lower prices for many generic drugs over the last several months and this work is expected to save over $12 million this fiscal year."

Coverage for the new drugs is effective immediately.