Turks and Caicos Islands - Everyone who pays into the National Health Insurance Programme (NHIP) will receive equal entitlement to healthcare provision the Interim Administration announced Wednesday 16 November 2011.

This follows on from concerns following the recently announced changes to the TCI health system which aim to make it more affordable and sustainable. This stated that there would be reduced benefits to temporary resident and work permit holders. The government has listened to feedback from across the Islands and has rescinded this proposal.

Judith Campbell, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services said:  “Everyone who pays into the TCI health system, regardless of whether they are a Belonger, PRC or work permit holder will receive the same standard of care depending upon their individual medical needs.

“It was never our intention to disadvantage people on work permits who are supporting the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) or any particular group of people living in the TCI. But we must reduce costs and increase sustainability.

“We will continue, therefore, with our plans to make more use of regional health facilities as a more cost effective alternative to always sending patients to Miami, for example. This increased use of regional facilities will continue.”

The Government will further strengthen the work permit application process by implementing appropriate medical screening as well as encourage persons entering the TCI on a temporary work permit to have appropriate supplementary medical insurance.