An insurance company has backed plans for a major shake-up of the healthcare system.

Peter Lozier, the chief executive of Argus Americas, said the company shared the Government’s “vision to provide access to quality, affordable healthcare to every Bermuda resident”.

Mr Lozier was speaking after the Government signalled it would “accelerate” plans to move to a new integrated healthcare model in the new Parliamentary session.

The speech said: “The Government’s recent expansions to the prescription drug benefit for persons on HIP and FutureCare, as well as the support to uninsured, pregnant women, has come at a cost and without the opportunity to address the systemic reform so desperately needed and promised in this government’s election platform.”

The Government added that it would merge administration of its healthcare plans to reduce costs.

Mr Lozier said: “We fully support the Government’s overall aim, which includes an integrated healthcare model and a national digital health plan.

Our philosophies align, in that we share a vision to provide access to quality, affordable healthcare to every Bermuda resident.

“As private insurers, we all have a role to play in supporting solutions that better balance affordability and quality of care.

“To that end, we are continuously promoting chronic disease prevention, care management and healthier lifestyles.”

He added: “We strongly believe in the people and spirit of Bermuda and have been investing in local healthcare to support our community, as demonstrated by the acquisition of our medical practices.

“We are committed to sustainable, positive change, and demonstrable improvements to efficiency and outcomes by working in partnership with our government and all stakeholders.

“Quality healthcare is for everyone.”