News
National Health Insurance Board Talks Access to Healthcare in the Turks & Caicos Islands
#TurksandCaicos, July 5, 2022 – The National Health Insurance Board was established under the National Health Insurance Ordinance 2009, as a statutory body. NHIB’s goal is to facilitate the provision of accessible, affordable, and quality health care services to all its beneficiaries. We would like to use this platform to educate the public on the referral and treatment abroad program and how they work.
Urgent/Non-Urgent Referrals
Urgent referrals are referrals that must be executed within a short period of time usually less than 48 hours, non-urgent referrals or routine referrals are executed over a longer period. As it relates to these urgent referrals it is important for the public to know that:
- A referral must be sent from the hospital, through the Joint Referral Committee, to NHIB for processing. You must be seen by a doctor at TCI hospital who will then decide whether your case is eligible for urgent referral.
- The Medical Director reviews the referral and will advise the operations department to proceed.
- We have an operations team NHIB that checks the eligibility of the beneficiary.
- Once a beneficiary is eligible, the transfer arrangement begins.
- Referrals are sent firstly to providers in the region (Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cayman Islands) for acceptance. If the case cannot be managed within the region, then it is sent to our providers in Colombia.
- Patient (if able to communicate) or next of kin is contacted and informed that NHIB is in receipt of an overseas referral and what arrangement will be made. The NHIB process is explained during this time.
- Once a physician and a hospital accept the case, travel arrangement (air ambulance or charter, commercial flight) will begin.
Treatment Abroad Program Challenges and Important Information
We do face a few challenges with the referral service especially when a patient must be flown out of country for special care. One of the major challenges is travel documents. We are asking the public to make sure your documents are up to do date as you do not know when you or a loved one that you may have to accompany will face sudden health challenges that require medical attention overseas.
- NHIB does not pay for travel documents, passport, or visas.
- Nationalities that require visas to enter another country is responsible for getting their visa, NHIB only assist with medical visas.
- NHIB provides a subsistence to assist with living arrangements and ground transportation. What this means is that we do not cover the cost of your FULL living arrangement while seeking medical treatment abroad. What we do is provide you with a stipend that should assist with your day-to-day expenses.
- Medical bills for health procedures abroad are 100% covered by the NHIB (subject to the limitations included in NHI (Benefit) Regulations Section 6(3)). This means that when you travel to get medical attention under the Treatment Abroad Program, you do not receive a bill. Your medical expense is fully covered (see above).
- Work Permit holders are reminded that work permits are to be renewed three months prior to expiry. Beneficiaries with an expired work permit cannot be transferred in the event of an emergency.
- Some beneficiaries are only entitled to receive on island care.
- As it relates to Air Ambulance – This is a service which we source from providers overseas. The closest air ambulance company is in the Dominican Republic, others are based within the United States. Air ambulance confirms their ability to transfer based on availability of aircrafts and medical personnel, the nature of the case, and their capacity to transfer a patient safely.
Understanding Co-payments
We also use this opportunity to advise the public that if you are covered and eligible under the National Health Insurance Plan and you visit a clinic to see a private doctor on island, that $35 is deducted from your bill and paid by NHIB. TCI hospital is our preferred health provider, so once you are eligible, you only pay $10 copayment when seeking medical services covered by NHIP.
Services NOT covered by National Health Insurance Plan
The following are medical services that are NOT covered by the NHIP:
Cosmetic procedures
Long term care
Long term psychiatric care
Orthodontics for adults
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Alternative medicines
Podiatry
Lifestyle procedures and sex changes
Short term nursing or home skilled nursing facility
Fertility treatments
Dermatology
Dentistry
Closing Remarks
I would like to take this time to thank all NHIP’s contributors. Once you get a good understanding of the National Health Insurance Plan, you will know that even though you may not require medical attention at this time, someone in need of medication, pre-natal care, emergency treatment, and all that is covered under the NHIP, is able to get the care they need because of your contribution. So, continue to make your contributions, and make them on time to avoid late fee penalties. Let us continue to work together in building a healthy nation one person at a time.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
