Cheaper healthcare will continue to be one of the most important government priorities, health minister Kim Wilson said today.

Ms Wilson said: “The Government is currently reviewing all healthcare fees and will implement a new fee schedule in 2018.

“Making healthcare more affordable will continue to be one of the most important government initiatives.”

She was speaking after Ewart Brown, owner of the Brown-Darrell Clinic, said last week that the clinic’s hi-tech computerised X-ray service is to shut because of “severe reductions in payments”.

Ms Wilson said: “The Government regrets the impending end of CT services at the Brown-Darrell Clinic but wishes to assure the public that access to CT scans will continue to be available at BHB.”

Dr Brown blamed the Bermuda Health Council for the closure of the CT scan service.

But, in a statement issued today, the council said it was “incorrect” for the clinic to suggest it had been targeted.

Ms Wilson said: “The new Government took steps to mitigate the impact of significant fee reductions by the previous Government.

“The Brown-Darrell Clinic, Bermuda Health Care Services and the Bermuda Hospitals Board were negatively affected by the reduction in fees they were able to charge for CT and MRI services.

“When the current Government came into office, the situation was reviewed and several options were considered to mitigate the adverse impact caused by the former government’s rate reductions.

“After review, it was decided to supplement the fees for MRI and CT services performed at all entities from Government funds rather than raise residents’ health insurance premiums midyear.”