seeking treatment abroad.

That is the view of Medical Director of Bermuda Healthcare Services, Dr. Ewart Brown who claimed last night that Government blocked a scheme to ease the problem and stop thousands of dollars seeping out of the Island.

Speaking at St. George's Rotary Club, PLP candidate Dr. Brown said: "What do Bermudians do as a result of their lack of confidence in the healthcare system in Bermuda? They go overseas in droves, spending vast sums of money on cases, some of which could have been provided right here in Bermuda.

"The local doctors do not like it, the hospital does not like it and the local insurance industry is having a major headache with this problem.

"We believe that rather than sit by paralysed, watching hundreds of Bermudians going abroad to see medical specialists, we should bring the specialists to the people.

"We have roughly 100 Bermudians going abroad per quarter at a conservative cost of $5,000 each -- a total of $500,000. The total cost for the same 100 persons being seen locally by a visiting specialist would be approximately $25,000 -- a difference of $475,000 "Not only does it make financial sense but it is likely to be welcomed by local doctors who will benefit professionally by such expertise.

"But how did Government respond? They blocked it. They put their own personal and political agendas before the public good.'' Dr. Brown said local doctors are allowed to refer patients to specialists in Bermuda but are not qualified to invite specialists from outside.

"As a doctor for 20 years now I know what unnecessary delays and excessive red tape can mean for the delivery of quality care for patients,'' he said.