Revitalising senior's health care topped the Throne Speech agenda and a commitment was made to building urgent care clinics previously promised for both ends of the Island.

FutureCare, which is to be the hallmark of the Government's plan to create a fair, affordable and equitable healthcare system for Bermuda was something Health Minister Nelson Bascome, in an interview with The Royal Gazette before the speech, said was his top priority.

In the interview Mr. Bascome admitted that the planning of FutureCare was still in a premature stage because actuarial studies had to be completed before plans were implemented.

The basis of this senior health care programme is to be able to provide services for the senior retirees at the same level they were receiving while employed as well as free dental care.

Right now, when a person reaches retirement, they have few options if they cannot afford the insurance programme they had when they were employed.

One basic option is the Government's Health Insurance Plan, HIP, which provides four visits to the doctors a year, $1,200 in prescription benefits and costs $173.84 a month for seniors.

That means seniors struggle to find the cash they need for extra services and often have to turn to financial services for help.

In a news conference following the Throne Speech, Premier Ewart Brown said Government was spending more than $70 million on HIP which was far too much and FutureCare would help curb that spending.

He said: "FutureCare will be modelled along the lines of the Medicare Program in the United States. The Government spends in excess of $70 million dollars on HIP, but if we organise it and modernise it and negotiate with hospitals abroad we can tackle it."

In an interview before the Throne Speech, Mr. Bascome promised the East End urgent care clinic by the end of the next financial year.

Also missing from the Throne Speech was mention of the Wellness Bermuda promises in the Platform which include increasing exercise for children and passing legislation for food labelling — though Mr. Bascome, promised a focus on both in the interview before the Throne Speech.

However, mentioned in both the speech yesterday and in the interview with Mr. Bascome previously was the increased number of scholarships for Bermudians interested in studying public health. It was also promised in the PLP election manifesto.

Mr. Bascome encouraged anyone interested in applying to bring their resumes and a letter introducing themselves to the Ministry of Health offices as soon as possible.