June 29, 2011.Dear Sir,Regarding Walton Brown's opinion regarding overhauling healthcare. While the premise Mr Brown states, echoing that of the current Bermuda Health Council, is well intentioned, there are some troubling aspects to what is been discussed.The troubling issues are those relating to the discussion concerning costs. Mr Brown mentions ‘unnecessary testing', ‘over medication' and ‘our penchant for flying overseas for care'. While these are legitimate issues, they are presently balanced by our existing insurance coverage against patient needs. It is not a perfect system, but it works for most. What concerns me is that the healthcare overhaul being discussed may remove options for care. We may be forced to accept care locally that may or may not be adequate. This will further a two-tier medical system, one for those that can afford additional coverage to receive care overseas and another for those who cannot. This will not be an improvement.I would suggest one solution to the overseas care issue is to research why people do not trust the local system and upgrade our hospital to provide people's confidence to remain here when possible. As a solution to those whom the system fails, I would suggest we do all in our power to strengthen our core Bermuda industry — international business. A strong economy will provide a strong tax base and provide a revenue source to care for those the present system fails. This discussion dovetails into the continuing decline of international business. Unfortunately, Government has done little to stem the migration of our core industry. This Government should stop playing politics with this issue. Government must effect changes required to attract international companies and make international business feel at home in Bermuda.This then leads to another troubling aspect of the healthcare discussion. It is suggested that ‘fees should be based on the percentage of one's income'. Such a system will effectively raise the costs of international business. If Government introduces such a system, this will be another nail in the international business coffin, which will hasten the decline of our industry and our tax base. This will decrease our ability to fund first world medical care and the other things we have come to take for granted in this country. Please fix the core problem which is the economy. If we don not do this very quickly, then we are soon destine to be a second world country, with second (or third) world healthcare, jobs, pay scales and associated problems.STILL WORKINGCity of Hamilton