Dr. Austin O'Carroll:

There are two issues. The first issue is that there is definitely a lack of awareness among GPs. I have always believed that, particularly down the country, GPs will avoid treating drug users. Personally, I believe it should not be a matter of choice. One is more likely to die of drug use than of diabetes. The problem is if GPs are avoiding treating this particular section of the population, there will be a group of people with hepatitis C who are not accessing proper primary care services. Opiate substitution treatment is an optional service and there are big black areas down the country where one cannot access treatment. I have dealt with a number of people who have come up from the country to become homeless so that they could access both opiate substitution treatment and hepatitis C treatment.