A new body overseeing Bermuda's health system must be given extensive powers and should be free from political interference, health professionals believe.

Members of the Island's medical and insurance fields were reacting to the Health Care Review report which contains 24 pages of recommendations for the future of the health system.

They broadly welcomed the report although there were differing views on the main recommendation of setting up a Bermuda Health Council (BHC) responsible for overseeing a good but fragmented system.

Judy Panchaud-White, vice-president of BF&M insurance, said she was a strong supporter of the proposed new council.

"A good majority of the problems in the past are due to the fact that we do not have any one organisation overseeing the complete picture,'' said Mrs.

Panchaud-White.

She was a member of the team that compiled the Health Care Review and said the BHC would need comprehensive powers to make decisions without political influence.

"It should be made up of professionals who are aware of the health needs of Bermuda,'' she added.

Dr. Ian Fulton, president of the Bermuda Medical Society said he believed the BHC would produce more co-ordination between various bodies involved in providing health services.

However he added: "Speaking personally, the theory is always great, but in practice you are never sure how it will work out.

"It would provide a unifying body, but it will have a huge task to look after and oversee the health system in this country.'' Dr. Fulton agreed that the BHC should be apolitical -- as recommended in the report.

The Health Care Review was set up almost three years ago under the chairmanship of Sen. Alf Oughton amidst a background of rising health costs.

Its aim was to find ways to ensure the health system was cost effective, efficient and gave a minimum level of care for all residents.

As well as recommending the creation of the BHC the report also suggested employing more specialists in Bermuda to cut the cost of overseas treatment and trying alternative care, such as home care for the elderly.

The cost of drugs also needs examining, said the report which also called for better health education and asked Government to up-date a range of laws.

Sheila Manderson, chief executive of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, welcomed the report saying she agreed with most of its points.

In particular she welcomed the report's recommendation that home care for the elderly be expanded. It is estimated that elderly people taking up beds costs the King Edward VII Hospital about $5 million a year.

"We have at the hospital a real problem of elderly people taking up acute bed space when they could be cared for in a more appropriate setting.

"We need to look at how we can take better care of the elderly,'' added Mrs.

Manderson.

Last night William Madeiros, senior general manager at Colonial Insurance, said the report was extremely positive.

"Any review is a good idea and it gave the chance to really look at the health system,'' he said.