Health Minister Michael Scott yesterday announced that the Medical Clinic will remain open for at least two weeks to serve people who have not been able to secure the services of a doctor.

Addressing 27 patients and family members, Mr. Scott encouraged people without a doctor to “visit the Medical Clinic as soon as possible so that they too may be reassigned to a private physician”. And Dr. Stanley James, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown’s point man on the closure of the Clinic — formerly known as the “Indigent Clinic” — told the meeting: “It’s not like an iron door that is slamming shut.

“June 30 was just a target day. My commitment is to your care and there will be some leeway with the closure. If your doctors need to contact me, they can.”

The meeting heard an explanation of the services that will be provided to the 512 registered Medical Clinic patients.

Many have already been means tested and will get help from Financial Assistance, including a new card for doctor’s visits for which there is a $5 co-pay charge. But Dr. James added that the dental group that had offered its services pro bono in the past had ceased to do so. Patients can still attend King Edward VII Hospital’s emergency room for serious teeth and mouth problems.

Once part of the new programme, patients with serious issues can see their doctors up to eight times a year — twice as many times as regular HIP patients.

There will now be up to four visits to specialists and medication will still be free from KEMH. Dr. James is handling the referrals to the 27 doctors who have made themselves part of the scheme.

Mr. Scott added: “In line with the Throne Speech mandate, clients will be provided with basic healthcare therefore ensuring that the indigent are treated in the same manner as the rest of the community as it relates to healthcare.

“As a caring Government, I have been pleased with the commitment, dedication and initiative shown by the stakeholders concerned, especially the physician fraternity, the Bermuda Hospitals Board Director of Clinical Services and the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary and Chief Medical Officer.”