The Ministry of Health and Family Services has claimed 20 percent of the entire national budget as Government strove to emphasise its commitment to easing the healthcare costs of Bermuda?s senior citizens.

The Ministry received a total of $147.3 million, a six percent increase on the current financial year, with much of the extra cash going towards the construction of four new wellness clinics Island-wide and subsidised assistance for the elderly in the comfort of their own homes.

The clinics, one of which Health Minister Patrice Minors has said will be operational by the end of this month, will be located in Somerset, Warwick, Hamilton and St. George?s.

Ms Cox said yesterday the clinics will provide basic health screenings as well as ?health education and health promotion activities?, assisting seniors aged 65 or over to ?stay healthy and retain their independence?.

Seniors will also qualify for subsidised modifications to their homes to make them ?safe and secure?.

?The programme will include making contractual arrangements with service providers (carpenters, electricians, masons and plumbers) to provide selected services to seniors at fixed rates,? she said.

Age Concern executive director Claudette Fleming expressed her joy at Government?s increased investment in the welfare of Bermuda?s seniors.

?On behalf of the Board of Directors of Age Concern Bermuda I would like to express our gratitude to the Bermuda Government in its continued efforts to support the needs of Bermuda?s older citizens,? she said.

?The Budget appears to indicate that the Government is prepared to provide fiscal backing for some of the initiatives outlined in the 2004 Throne Speech. In particular, we note its commitment to support community based programming that supports seniors in their own homes.?

A vast proportion of the budget meanwhile ? nearly $88 million ? has been allocated to subsidise those unable to afford healthcare at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, again guaranteeing medical attention to all who walk through the doors.