The Bermuda Health Council has extended the deadline for submissions on a raft or reforms it has proposed for the private health insurance industry.

The deadline was yesterday, however they have now extended it to September 15 at the request of stakeholders.

Jennifer Attride-Stirling, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Health Council, said: "We are very satisfied with the level of interest in the proposals from the community.

Members of the public and health professionals have called and written with their views and insurers have been engaged with us in discussions.

"We welcome more feedback from all stakeholders to ensure consideration of the widest range of views and, following requests for more time, have deemed it imperative to give greater opportunity to respond."

In early July the BHeC released a consultation paper recommending how the regulatory framework for private health insurance companies could be enhanced.

Suggestions included creating a more "robust" standard hospital benefit and requiring all private insurers to provide the same basic package at the same price to everyone regardless of age or pre-existing condition.

The aim is to ensure everyone in Bermuda has access to basic health care.

The report is available at www.bhec.bm.

All feedback must be in writing by September 15 and can be e-mailed to dkcommissiong@bhec.bm or mailed to: Bermuda Health Council, PO Box HM 3381, Hamilton HM PX, Bermuda.