The Island's health service is to get a massive $107 million cash injection in the next 12 months in a bid to make health care available for all.

Acting Health Minister Quinton Edness said the figure -- taking up a 20 percent slice of the Government's expenditure cake, showed its commitment to caring for the young and old.

Nearly $41.5 million has been reserved to cover the costs of healing the indigent, young and old who are exempt or partially exempt from paying hospital bills.

That sum represents a 7.5 percent increase on the same figure for last year.

Another $4 million will be used for new expenditure items at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St. Brendan's, which will also get a $215,000 facelift.

Last night Mr. Edness said: "I am particularly pleased with the allocation of money to the Health Department because it shows the concern and priority of this Government to look after its children and families.

"Health takes up the biggest part of our expenditure. As well as making health care available for those who cannot afford it, we are also developing other facilities.'' The Health Ministry has also been given an extra $20,000 to buy testing kits for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and vaccines.

And St. Brendan's will also be able to take on three nurse's aides at the Learning Disability Day Care Centre at a cost of $85,000.

The construction of a biomedical incinerator at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will also get underway this year with $500,000 being spent on the initial building programme.

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HOA