DILI, 24 2022 (TATOLI)- The United States through the Embassy boosts Timor – Leste’s ICU capacity by 150 % to provide intensive care to COVID-19 patients.
“Today, we mark the arrival of the Mobile Intensive Care Unit (ICU), donated by the American people. The Mobile ICU, which will be delivered to the National Hospital Guido Valadares, will significantly expand Timor-Leste’s health capacity and provide intensive care to COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable health populations” stated U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Zema Semunegus, at the Dili Port on Friday.
“This gift ‘from the American people is intended to help the Government respond to health needs anywhere in the country. When operational, Timor-Leste ICU’s capacity will increase by 150%. This donation from the U.S. Government will provide nine fully-furnished ICU beds. The unit’s inclusive design provides easy access for people with disabilities.” said Zema Semunegus.
The Mobile ICU is part of the $20 million that the United States has provided to support Timor-Leste’s health security. The $20 million includes the U.S. donation of over 200,000 life-saving doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The arrival of the Mobile ICU also reflects the United States Government’s ongoing commitment to fight COVID-19 and other diseases and save Timorese lives.
The United States Indo-Pacific Command and the United States Agency for International Development worked together with United Nations agencies and the Government of Timor-Leste to construct and deliver the mobile ICU.
The Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo, said the Mobile ICU will be placed at the Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV) to serve chronic patients as well as other patients in need.
Belo added that so far HNGV only has 25 beds for the ICU and today HNGV received 1 unit of the Mobile ICU which is equipped with nine fully-furnished sophisticated ICU beds, to accelerate intensive care for chronic patients and other patients.
“The Mobile ICU will be placed in the HNGV and will be operated by the medical staff at the HNGV because they have previously received training from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Timor – Leste,” said Minister of Health Odete Belo.
The Minister of Health Odete Belo believes that, with this sophisticated Mobile ICU, health services for patients will be affordable and integrated.
“Therefore, on behalf of the Government of Timor – Leste, I thanked the U.S. Government for helping Timor – Leste in the health sector during this time,” said Belo.
At the same place, the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, greatly appreciated the Ministry of Health led by Odete Maria Freitas Belo, who had succeeded in tackling Covid-19 in Timor – Leste through the international partners, and thanked the U.S for helping to combat COVID-19 together in Timor – Leste.
Present at the Ceremony on the Arrival of the Mobile Intensive Care Unit to Timor – Leste is, The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, Delegation of USAID, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Zema Semunegus, the Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo and the other guests.
Jornalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia Borges
