DESPITE an increase in budget for the next financial year the Department of Health has said savings still need to be found.

It says in order to meet demand and maintain the current level of service savings of £1.5 million are needed to ensure front line services aren't affected.

The health budget has been increased by three per cent to £125,009,000 and the department has already outlined how some of this money will be spent.

Plans include the introduction of a Chlamydia screening programme, at a cost of £50,000, which will increase the focus and prevention of the sexually transmitted disease.

A new renal unit, costing £100,000, at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital will be opened in 2013 to meet the increasing demand for dialysis and related care and the neo-natal unit at Noble's Hospital will be extended at a cost of £100,000.

According to the department the neo-natal unit, which is being funded as a capital project, will avoid the costs involved in transferring neo-natal care off the Island and in effect could see a pay back in three to four years.

Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "With over £1.5 million in savings required in order to maintain existing front line services. I think it's important that people realise the department doesn't face an easy ride and is certainly not immune from the budgetary pressures facing all areas of government.

"We will of course endeavour to ensure front line services are protected as best as possible but we need to be realistic about the financial challenges we face and accept that change is inevitable."

According to the department the Isle of Man may see an end to universality with the possibility of charges being introduced for prescriptions and eye tests.

Dudley Butt MLC, political member for the Department of Health, said: "We must prioritise our spending and in doing so may also need to take into account people's ability to pay.

"The question of affordability isn't something we can ignore. That's why my department is looking into eligibility criteria for financial support for areas such as prescriptions and eye tests.

"I think this is an important step to take in ensuring that we can protect core services that make a real and tangible difference at the point of care.

"This can mean the difference between keeping wards open or closing them and the ability to continue to offer existing services."

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