Improving the quality of life for senior citizens is a high priority for the candidates in next week's General Election.

Increasing health care coverage for seniors and regulating the cost of overseas medical treatment are a plank in the platforms of both the United Bermuda Party and Progressive Labour Party.

And both parties rely on the recommendations of the 1996 Health Care Review led by Independent Sen. Alfred Oughton.

Health Minister Wayne Furbert, who is running in Hamilton West, said care of seniors was of vital importance to his party.

The UBP was looking at a plan for education and treatment of the triple killers of asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, so prevalent in Bermuda.

While the National Pension Scheme would ensure that younger Bermudians were taken care of in the future, current UBP health policy was directed at protecting seniors now, explained Mr. Furbert.

"We are building the safety nets for them,'' Mr. Furbert said. "I will fight and die to see quality health care for seniors. My mother, your mother, everyone.'' He said the PLP plan was only a rehash of what his party had done over the years and was old news. He added: "It's easy to spout off suggestions but it comes down to how it will all be paid for. What we do is give realised hope and not false hope.'' The UBP intends to move towards more out-patient care rather than have people in lengthy stays in the hospital.

"At present Government gives $1,200 each to families with seniors needing medical assistance but are not ready for long term care in hospital,'' Mr.

Furbert said.

Other forms of out-patient care like "outsourcing'' were also being considered, Mr. Furbert said. While there could be some initial costs, they would eventually represent a savings to government.

And just this year, the savings limit for entitlement to social assistance for health care was raised from $1,000 to $15,000.

"We increased the allowance because some seniors with more than $1,000 were hurting,'' he said. "We are looking at the ability of seniors to have eyeglasses and prescription drugs for people in financial need.

Reducing the costs for overseas treatment by starting relationships with major medical institutions is also a priority for Mr. Furbert.

"Hopefully sending our people in a certain direction will help reduce the costs,'' Mr. Furbert said.

He added that while patients would be free to get treatment at Government-related facilities overseas, any reimbursement would not exceed the amount contractually agreed to with approved hospitals and clinics.

Turning to Family services, Mr. Furbert said a new law concerning children and penalties for child abuse was a good one and had seen an increase in reporting of abuse as more people had been educated about its dangers. "It is the UBP goal that we reduce the incidence of child abuse and the act has helped people become more aware,'' he said.

But Mr. Furbert added: "Let me be clear. A parent has the right to correct a child, but it is one thing to give a child a spank and another to brutalise them.'' Shadow Health Minister Renee Webb said her party would make great use of the Oughton Report and its recommendations.

"Right now HIP covers what it will cost in Bermuda,'' she said "But we will like to see an expansion of that. We would look at providing a relationship with overseas institutions and insurers.'' According to the PLP Platform, the party will also concentrate on making a "truly comprehensive'' system of health care.

This includes a review of the health insurance system with an aim at making it more comprehensive to include medical prescriptions, dental and optical services and substance abuse treatment.

The PLP proposed substance abuse treatment programme would coordinate with other government agencies and even the private sector. The PLP would also open a residential treatment centre for addicts.

With regard to senior citizens, the PLP would encourage the re-integration of seniors who can and want to work into the work force and take care of those who require care at home.

The chairman of the National Liberal Party, Charles Jeffers said his party would aim at having stronger ties to non-governmental organisations to help guide policy.

Mr. Jeffers said he found it noteworthy that just days before an election the UBP had extended free coverage to seniors for prescription drugs and eyeglasses. He added: "Isn't it ironic that the government that has administered health care in Bermuda for 30 years is just now realising the condition of seniors?'' Mr. Jeffers said his party would promote a mentor programme for seniors to link with another at risk group, children.

He said seniors who had raised their own children would be partnered with young parents to give advice and guidance in raising children.

Wayne Furbert Renee Webb