Patients on Government's Health Insurance Plan (HIP) are struggling to get life-saving kidney transplants, according to a report by the Ombudsman.

In the most recent report, Ombudsman Arlene Brock said her office had received five complaints from patients with end-stage renal disease.

Current research shows, according to her report, that kidney transplants, which cost a one-time, $150,000 are more effective because the patient can resume a relatively normal life then dialysis treatment, which can cost $150,000 annually.

HIP patients, however, struggle to get the transplants because they must register with the US waiting list agency, which will not add names of patients who cannot prove they can afford the full $150,000. HIP only covers $30,000 of the transplant.

Permanent Secretary of Health Warren Jones said the benefit provided by HIP was the standard approved since the Hospitals Benefit Regulations 1971.

He said: "The Standard Hospital Benefit Regulations 1971 (as amended various times over the years) are clear that the benefit is $30,000 towards a kidney transplant.

"This benefit under HIP is a Standard Hospital Benefit and pertains to all insurers regarding minimum coverage to be provided for a kidney transplant."

HIP has come under much scrutiny after the admission of backlogs and physicians struggling to pay for their services because of the lack of claims.

Mr. Jones and the Ministry of Health have said they are working on the claims and have the help of the computer software SpyGlass and added staff to try to speed the process.

The ombudsman also acknowledged the backlog in her report, but indicated that she saw some improvement in tackling the problem.

She stated: "However, we did have serious concerns about the quality and timeliness of responses to our inquiries from two departments: Social Insurance and Planning.

"The Department of Social Insurance has improved in its responses to me, but has yet to conquer a quagmire of overdue reimbursements to doctors.

"I am convinced, however, that the Department is working hard with software vendors to address the problem."

The Ombudsman also added that she had held discussions with the Department of Social Insurance, the new Health Council and its Health Insurance Committee about kidney transplants.

The report states that: "Until a comprehensive mechanism is devised patients should approach the Health Insurance Committee for consideration (on an ad hoc basis) of payment for the best treatment for which they are eligible."

Ms. Brock said she had requested an update on this matter.