Hospital claims will be paid much quicker thanks to a new computer system which will go live on Friday.

Finance Minister Paula Cox said the system will modernised the way the Government Employees Health Insurance (GEHI) section does its business.

She said: ?The new health insurance system will improve section efficiency, data integrity and provide for more timely reporting.

?Benefits include marked improvements in turnaround times for claims processing and computer service.?

The system will also address long-standing difficulties in reconciling premiums which resulted in the Auditor General giving qualified opinions on the 2000 and 2001 GEHI financial statements.

Ms Cox?s comments came in a statement relating to reports from the House of Assembly?s Public Accounts Committee tabled last July covering the years 1999-2002.

Ms Cox said Government was continuing to go after those who owed pensions and taxes.

A new $1.4 million systems will also be used help the Tax Commissioner ? a vendor has been identified but assessments are still being made on the scope of the system.

Funding has been found for the project which will begin in this financial year.

Meanwhile the Debt Enforcement Unit has helped net $1 million in uncollected social insurance and payroll taxes, said Ms Cox, while the Department of Social Insurance was looking at automation of Health Insurance Plan claims. Government is also looking to tighten up financial controls throughout its structure play by placing qualified accountants at the ministry level.

?These Government controllers meet with the Accountant General?s staff quarterly to ensure any concerns are addressed and that accounting operations are functioning consistently.?

However Ms Cox said there were difficulties in hiring Bermudian accountants to work at the Account General?s office because the salary and benefits don?t match the private sector.

As well as hiring overseas the Accountant General?s office is assisting Bermudians through training and education to help plug the gap within the next three to five years.

?There are currently seven trainees who work within the department or are assigned to work with the other Government departments as part of their training plan.?