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The Health Regulations Authority Informs Health Care Facilities of Provisional Licensing Requirements

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 14th January 2025: The Health Regulation Authority (HRA) announces a significant update for all entities operating within the healthcare sector across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Under the new provisions outlined in the Health Regulation Authority’s Ordinance and Regulation, entities that were operational before the passage of this legislation will be granted provisional licences effective until 31 March 2025.

This provisional licensing measure facilitates a smooth transition to compliance with the new regulatory framework. During this period, entities are required to take necessary steps to align their operations with the updated standards and complete the formal licensing process as mandated by the Health Regulation Authority.

Key details of the provisional licensing include:

  • Provisional Licensing Period: All pre-existing entities will automatically receive provisional licences, valid until March 31st 2025. This period ensures a seamless transition to full compliance with the new regulatory standards.
  • Support and Resources: The Health Regulation Authority will offer informational sessions, support materials, and consultation services to assist entities in meeting compliance requirements. Entities are encouraged to utilise these resources to avoid operational disruptions.
  • Compliance Requirements: During the provisional period, entities must review and adjust their operations to meet the new standards set by the Health Regulation Authority. Comprehensive guidelines and compliance checklists will be provided to aid this process.
  • Full Licensing Process: All entities must complete the formal licensing process before the provisional licences expire on March 31st  2025. The Guidelines for Health Care Facilities provide detailed requirements. Further communication will be provided once the licensing portal is live, ensuring ample preparation time.

The Health Regulation Authority is committed to supporting all stakeholders through this transition. For any questions or further assistance, please contact the HRA office at 649-338-4924 or via email at info@hra.gov.tc.

Entities are urged to begin preparations promptly to ensure a smooth transition before the provisional licences expire on 31 March 2025.

 

Contact Information: Health Regulation Authority Phone: 649-338-4924 Email: info@hra.gov.tc

Click the link to view the guidelines for healthcare facilities: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uvNLGy-87-7i7ETgDaUAEy1N2PHdkelc/view?usp=sharing

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Ministry Clarifies: No Suspension of Overtime in The Emergency Medical Services Department  

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PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3 July 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services addresses a memo currently circulating that suggests cessation of overtime within the Emergency Medical Services Department. The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify that this communication does not reflect its current policy or operational plans.

The Emergency Medical Services Department operates on a shift system that ensures that there are staff working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and that more than one ambulance is operational.  The Ministry remains committed to supporting and strengthening emergency medical services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. In fact, the Government has recently invested in the acquisition of eight (8) new ambulances, which are expected to be distributed throughout the islands. This strategic move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance response times and ensure that individuals in need of urgent care receive assistance as quickly as possible.

Currently, there is no plan to suspend overtime for the Emergency Medical Services personnel, however, there is a plan to better manage work schedules to ensure that there is better alignment. The Ministry appreciates the hard work and dedication of all emergency staff and continues to collaborate to ensure services are provided efficiently and safely.

We encourage all staff and members of the public to refer only to official Ministry of Health communications for accurate and current information. An internal review in relation to this matter is in progress.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains focused on improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring the readiness of emergency services across the country.

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Health

Setting a New Standard for Caribbean Wellness Retreats

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From sunrise meditation to sunset sails, Wymara invites guests to reconnect through a holistic schedule grounded in movement, mindfulness, and place

 

Wymara is redefining the wellness resort experience in the Caribbean. With a bold focus on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and nature, the resort pairs luxurious amenities with purposeful programming designed to reset body and mind. This season, a new daily wellness schedule deepens Wymara’s commitment, offering guests unlimited complimentary classes that encourage reconnection, restoration, and real results.

Designed around the resort’s natural rhythm, the new schedule transitions effortlessly from dynamic activity to intentional stillness. Guests can take part in Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga in the Caribbean’s only in-ocean pool, Revitalizing Sunset Yoga, Sound Bath Meditation, HIIT Workouts, and Mat Pilates, all grounded in a philosophy of space, setting, and connection.

“We see wellness not as an amenity, but as a defining part of the Wymara experience,” says Sarinah Sari, Spa Director. “We aim to create experiences that restore, rebalance, and stay with you, long after you leave the island.”

Classes are led by a team of experienced practitioners like Deep Singh, whose background spans therapeutic yoga, Ayurvedic bodywork, and energy-based healing.                                                                                                                                                                                                          His experience includes time at acclaimed wellness retreats across the Maldives and India, reinforcing Wymara’s commitment to cultivating one of the most compelling in-house wellness teams in the Caribbean.                                                                                                                                   Private sessions are also available by request, allowing guests to personalize their wellness journey with one-on-one instruction in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and energy healing. For a more immersive approach, curated itineraries are available to align movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into a stay designed for lasting impact.

Wymara approaches wellness as a 360° experience, aligning expert-led programming, best-in-class spa treatments, and curated experiences across land and sea. The resort continues to set the pace for integrative wellbeing in Turks and Caicos through:

  • At the heart of Wymara’s spa experience are results-driven treatments by 111SKIN, the science-led luxury skincare brand. This fall, two exclusive 111SKIN treatment rooms will launch at the Villas, elevating the partnership even further.
  • Sunset Cove Beach Club, an expansive wellness destination featuring a 25-metre lap pool, full fitness centre, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi, and courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce.
  • Wymara’s recent Green Globe Certificationsignals its ongoing commitment to sustainability as an essential pillar of the resort’s integrative wellness ethos.
  • plant-forward culinary program, praised for its creativity and balance. Specialized vegan and vegetarian menus are integrated across restaurants, in-villa dining, and custom menus.
  • Complimentary ocean experiences, including reef snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and clear-bottom kayaking, just steps from the sand.
  • Anewly launched Wymara Experience Book, featuring curated recommendations across wellness, adventure, cuisine, and culture to help guests shape their ideal stay.

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TCI receives six (6) additional Certificates of Analyses for commonly prescribed antidiabetic medicine

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Press Release 

 From the ministry of health and human services

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 24 June 2025 – The Pharmacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) is pleased to report that it has received six (6) additional certificates of analyses following the testing and analyses of six (6) samples of the commonly prescribed antidiabetic medicine, metformin. This brings to a total of 11 samples following the receipt of five (5) certificates of analyses earlier this year. The samples – which have been confirmed as achieving the required quality standard – were selected from batches that have been utilised on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) market.

Certificate of Analysis is a legal document that certifies the quality of a medicine and/or its ingredients known as excipients. The certificate demonstrates that the batch/ sample tested meets all the required quality control standards which confirms product quality and safety.

The Unit continues to partner with the Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department (MQCSD) of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as a part of their risk-based Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) Programme for medicines to conduct these tests and analyses. The TCI’s involvement in the PMS Programme continues to strengthen and support the effectiveness of its medicines regulatory system by:

  • Providing data and information that will better inform the government on the appropriate and effective regulatory actions and strategies to implement (that will improve the availability of safe and essential good quality medicines), and
  • Identifying in a timely manner, possible substandard and falsified products/medicines on the TCI market.

Importantly, the Minister of Health and Human Services – Honourable Kyle R. Knowles declared that “it is essential to improve fair access to safe, effective and quality medicines as these are hallmarks of effective disease management/treatment.” As such Hon. Knowles notes that “the MoHHS and by extension, the Pharmacy Unit, will continue to strengthen the systems and capacities required to improve the effective monitoring of drug/patient safety.”

The MoHHS will continue to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all TCI residents are positively impacted by actively monitoring and regulating all medicines used within the TCI. The MoHHS is also encouraging persons to utilise the Adverse Drug Reaction Form – found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf – to report any suspected:

  • adverse events – suffered from the use of medicines and/or
  • substandard or falsified medicines.

These reports are paramount as they aid in determining whether medicines will be submitted for analysis and testing.

For further information, please contact André Morgan, National Pharmacist at: (649)338-3072 or amorgan@gov.tc and visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.

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