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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Gilead Sciences, Inc. for the registration of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants up to a total initial offering price of $500,000,000 and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 24, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Gilead Sciences, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
December 18, 2003

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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS