The Welsh Assembly says it’s keen to negotiate a new health deal with the Isle of Man.

But it’s confirmed the ending of the current Reciprocal Health Agreement later this month will apply to ALL UK countries.

There was hope Manx people would continue to receive free health treatment in Wales after April 1, following comments made by Member of the Welsh Assembly, Michael German.

However, that’s not the case.

Although they have no power to continue the current agreement, the Welsh Assembly has the power to negotiate a new arrangement with the Isle of Man Government.

They say they wrote to Health Minister Eddie Teare in November to open discussions about proposals for a separate agreement between Wales and the Isle of Man.

But they say they're still waiting for a response.

Health chiefs in the Isle of Man say they remain in discussions with the UK’s Department of Justice and Department of Health to see if they have the legal authority to enter into a reciprocal healthcare agreement of their own, although such a deal could not be in place for April 1.

They also say they remain hopeful of a change of heart at Whitehall after asking for a meeting earlier this week with the UK Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham.