TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19: A health summit is to be held next week focusing on the affordability of the Island’s health care system.

The event, on November 22, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, is being hosted by the Ministry of Health’s Health Insurance Department.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry said: “Recently, Bermuda’s employers, workers, unions and retirees focused their attention on the joint issues of affordability and sustainability of the healthcare system in Bermuda.

“They want to know why healthcare costs are increasing so quickly compared to inflation, and what are driving these costs. Proportionately, healthcare costs continue to outpace national health, which means healthcare is becoming more of a burden to those with less means.

“The Health Financing Summit 2010 is designed to fully engage everyone who plays a role in Bermuda’s healthcare system to have an informed debate on how these issues can be addressed.”

She said the objectives of the Health Financing Summit 2010 were three-fold:

1. To engage industry stakeholders in discussion about rising healthcare costs and possible solutions;

2. To inform the public of the drivers of healthcare increases and how they can help change this; and

3. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of social health insurance in Bermuda.

The full-day event begins with a student debate on health financing issues, followed by informative sessions by key industry leaders such as Dr. Jennifer Attride-Stirling, Bermuda Health Council CEO; David Hill, Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO; and a panel discussion which includes Argus CEO, Gerald Simons. The afternoon will feature an exhibition hall that offers organizations the opportunity to get in front of key members of Bermuda’s healthcare industry.

Minister of Health, Walter Roban, said: “Managing healthcare financing is key to the sustainability of our community. This summit will provide us with the opportunity to collaboratively consider how Bermuda goes forward. I look forward to robust and frank discussions around this important topic.”

For more information on the Health Financing Summit 2010 visit www.hfs2010.gov.bm