Health Minister Nelson Bascome last night hit back at allegations Government was failing to help drug addicts in need of treatment.

And the Minister also defended the National Drug Commission, which has also come under criticism recently in leaked reports compiled by independent experts.

In a statement released to The Royal Gazette last night, Mr. Bascome said he "wants the Bermudian community to be aware that all efforts to strengthen and preserve the treatment programmes are being put forth".

Last week Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley criticised Mr. Bascome for what he considered the Health Minister's lacklustre response to leaked reports which slammed Bermuda's drug treatment facilities.

Two reports, which were carried out by overseas experts Dr. Jacqueline Butler and Dr. Alan Ogborne highlighted problems such as inexperienced staff, inadequate and outdated treatment and a lack of research, communication and leadership in some of the Island's drug agencies, despite $23 million being spent on drug issues each year.

And in a third report commissioned by drug treatment fundraiser the Council Partners Charitable Trust, an independent consultant said: "The history of the NDC and its board does not instil confidence that it can develop and lead the efforts at a true system of care."

Last night Mr. Bascome said:" We at the Ministry of Health and Family Services are charged with ensuring the well-being of members of the Bermudian community.

"Therefore, we are very concerned that substance abuse treatment is mad available to all those who desire it While we do not have a governance over a number of community-based agencies, the Ministry works through, and will continue to work with the NDC to assist those who provide the treatment and to those who are in need of treatment."

Mr. Bascome also said that he had recently met with the NDC and "extensively reviewed Bermuda's treatment facilities and " will continue to have progressive dialogue regarding them".

"Under the supervision of the NDC, Bermuda has developed a comprehensive treatment system, including assessment and referral, detoxification, impatient treatment, outpatient treatment, aftercare and supportive housing," he said.

The Minister added that he was encouraged by the decision of Fair Havens board to keep the only women's facility for drug treatment open, and expressed satisfaction that Camp Spirit was back in operation on Darrell's Island.

"We have worked diligently with the NDC to make the re-opening of Camp Spirit a reality. Currently seven clients are now receiving treatment through this programme," he said.

"The Ministry is currently reviewing the NDC's new strategic plan, which will lead the way forward in our united efforts to address the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse."

When asked last night whether he agreed with a report recommendation that the NDC board be temporarily made inactive and possibly replaced by Council Partners Charitable Trust (CPCT) board members, Mr. Bascome refused to comment.

"I have never even received those reports," he said. "I had not heard about them until I read about them in the paper."