Government is to introduce an emergency health fund aimed at helping people who do not have adequate insurance, according to Health Minister Walter Roban.

The initiative was unveiled yesterday at one of a series of press conferences designed to flesh out the details of pledges made in the Throne Speech.

Mr. Roban said: "As an offshoot of our to be developed National Health Strategy, the Government will consider the viability of an emergency health fund aimed at assisting those members of the community whose employment benefits or employment situations do not afford them access to health care.

"This initiative will be considered in the context of access and health care financing as we develop the National Health Strategy."

Mr. Roban said those needing this emergency fund would be subject to a review before a decision on whether Government would help was made.

In the Throne Speech, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said Government would amend the Bermuda Health Council Act 2004 to give the Bermuda Health Council more powers as a watchdog.

Mr. Roban added: "Over the course of the last few years, it has become necessary to clarify the council's role as a watchdog of the health care sector as opposed to the Ministry of Health as regulator of the health sector.

"Additionally, the Health Council's current function as a health insurance provider creates a conflict. Therefore, amendments will be made to clarify the council's role and ensure that it can function freely as a health advocate, policy adviser and health sector watchdog."

The Minister also spoke about new regulations for complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and other practices outside the regulations, including embalmers and funeral directors. He said: "Regulations will be introduced for embalmers, another area currently outside of regulation.

"This is in continuance of the Government's undertaking to ensure that all health practices in Bermuda are operating according to best practice for their particular area of speciality."