30 September 2015 - “If I could rid myself of hep C forever I would be absolutely ecstatic as it would improve my quality of life and my energy levels,” the 57-year-old Adelaide woman said.

Ms Leane, who is also HIV positive, has avoided older treatments due to their cost and toxicity.

“Now that my HIV is well-managed I don’t walk around thinking that is what will kill me, liver cirrhosis is more of my issue,” she said.

Twenty-seven of Australia’s medical associations and health advocacy groups have sent a letter to federal health minister Sussan Ley urging her to immediately include the breakthrough hepatitis C cures on the scheme.

The letter, which was signed by Hepatitis Australia chief executive Helen Tyrrell, was published today and calls for the government to list the medicines by the end of the year.

“We are asking (Ms Ley) to urge her department and the pharmaceutical companies to expedite their pricing negotiations so that the approval process can be finalised,” Ms Tyrell said.

For more details, go to: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/hepatitis-c-call-to-include-cures-on-pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme/story-fn59nokw-1227550321341