Since direct-acting antivirals were listed on the PBS seven years ago, more than 100,000 Australians have been cured of hepatitis C infection.

Yet this figure — a major accomplishment by any measure — only represents about half of those living with hepatitis C.

While the idea of offering cash to this hard-to-reach cohort to take up treatment has been bandied about, a nationwide trial with $700,000 in incentives targeted at both patients and GPs is finally underway.

The University of Sydney–run trial, dubbed MotivateC, began enrolling patients last month, with the hopes that payments of up to $1200 will encourage them to start direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) either through their own GP or one of six bulk-billed doctors registered with the study.