Pensioners could be on the political warpath after yesterday's East Broadway demonstration for better health cover.

Around 25 placard-waving protesters turned out over the course of the rush hour to campaign for every pensioner to be covered by adequate insurance.

Some are forced to rely on the basic Government plan which doesn't pay for medicine or most dental work. Age Concern executive director Claudette Fleming was at the scene and she told The Royal Gazette that seniors, who form 11 percent of the population, should start to leverage their political power more.

“It doesn't come easy as it is not a part of our culture. But as more and more people feel the pinch then more and more people will get proactive, get involved and let their voices be heard in the political arena.”

Many younger people were unaware of the problems which lay in store said Ms Fleming who called on them to join the campaign before it was too late.

Demonstration organiser Mark Selley said: “The response with the (honking of) horns is pretty good, so is the turn out from people with placards.

“Bermuda is the Mecca of the insurance world but we don't have it for all our people. Let's get it right.”

Pensioner Muriel Archer said she had been forced to fork out $205 for back medicine after being flung to the ground after her handbag was robbed. She also has another prescription at $10 a tablet. “This is why I am involved today.”

Dental costs also take a big chunk out of her pension said Mrs. Archer. “I don't know how people manage if they haven't got funds put away.”

Disabled campaigner Willard Fox said he had attended the demonstration to support people with strokes. “They need daily therapy but some get it once a month. That's useless. They need therapy every day for four or five hours.”

Sporting a placard which said “Good Health is No Accident” pensioner Bill Cook said: “People like myself who have been in sport all their lives and have done their best to maintain their health are really no strain on the community and insurance companies.

“But when we reach 65 everyone runs for cover, it's difficult to get proper coverage,” said the former Olympic athlete. “It's one of those things which is very difficult to solve.

“The insurance companies have to make a profit. But somewhere in between the two there has to be a happy medium.”

Mr. Selley wasn't sure what the next step would be. But he said: “We are all very excited the health care council is being formed.”

Government have said the multi-agency body is the first step to extending better health coverage to all seniors.

Mr. Selley also said home health care would help cut the island's medical costs, adding: “Not everybody needs to be in the hospital.”