BARBADOS: Free Medical Scheme Urged for Elderly

BARBADOS (Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation), July 24, 2006: The Government of Barbados is being asked to seriously consider setting a medical scheme for people 65 years and over. The recommendation has come from the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) which says health care for this age group should be given national priority. President Kathleen Drayton, says government, under the late Prime Minister Tom Adams, had passed the Barbados Drug Service Bill which, in addition to providing free prescription drugs to the elderly, recommended the introduction of a general practitioner service for the population. According to the head of BARP, Mr. Adams died before the General Practitioner Bill was implemented and the measure was shelved. Mrs. Drayton says as citizens grow older they are more susceptible to disease and need to remain healthy and independent.