New Service Aims to Boost Testing and Treatment Access
SYDNEY — In a significant health initiative, Australia has unveiled a national telehealth service aimed at eliminating hepatitis C by increasing accessibility to testing and treatment. The announcement comes as over 100,000 Australians have been cured of hepatitis C, according to Hepatitis Australia.
The telehealth service, part of the HepLink national hepatitis information linkage, offers free access to testing and treatment support nationwide, requiring no referral. Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes stated that this development builds on the success of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which has transformed hepatitis C treatment over the past decade.
Impact on Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts
Since the PBS listing of new-generation hepatitis C medicines in 2016, more than 110,000 Australians have undergone subsidised treatment, with a cure rate of approximately 100,000 individuals. The number of Australians living with chronic hepatitis C has fallen by 61% since 2015. However, around 63,000 Australians still live with the condition, necessitating ongoing efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment rates.
Gracey, a hepatitis C survivor, shared the transformative impact of the cure, emphasizing the importance of awareness and testing. ‘Testing is the most powerful tool we have to eliminate hepatitis C,’ said Chris Wallis, a nurse practitioner with HepLink. The initiative, supported by a grant from Gilead Sciences Australia, is a collaborative effort involving Hepatitis Australia and community organisations, aiming to meet the elimination target by 2030.
In addition to increasing access to treatment, the telehealth service provides education and resources for both healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that all parties have the necessary information to combat hepatitis C effectively. The program’s innovative approach includes virtual consultations, which facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment recommendations, especially for those in remote areas.
As Australia continues its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C, this telehealth service represents a critical step forward, offering a model that could be adopted by other countries facing similar public health challenges. The success of this initiative depends on widespread participation and the ongoing collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and the community.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:26 am
