Groups supporting people with Hepatitis C have raised concerns about the lack of treatment for the virus.
The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) has called on the next government to expand access to the current treatment programme.
An estimated 30,000 people have Hepatitis C but only seriously ill patients are eligible for treatment.
The IHS wants an expansion of access to the current treatment programme which gives chronically ill patients access to drugs including Sovaldi, which costs approximately €45,000 for a 12-week programme.
It said the Government needs to put a competitive national tender process in place to ensure it is getting the best price for the drugs.
The group has also raised concerns about people getting medication abroad but said the problem will continue unless more people are treated in Ireland.
In a statement, the Health Service Executive said it is expected that criteria for treatment will be extended in the near future.
The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) has called on the next government to expand access to the current treatment programme.
An estimated 30,000 people have Hepatitis C but only seriously ill patients are eligible for treatment.
The IHS wants an expansion of access to the current treatment programme which gives chronically ill patients access to drugs including Sovaldi, which costs approximately €45,000 for a 12-week programme.
It said the Government needs to put a competitive national tender process in place to ensure it is getting the best price for the drugs.
The group has also raised concerns about people getting medication abroad but said the problem will continue unless more people are treated in Ireland.
In a statement, the Health Service Executive said it is expected that criteria for treatment will be extended in the near future.
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