DILI, 18 june 2023 (TATOLI) – The former deputy health minister, Luís Lobato, passed away of undiagnosed illness at around 2 am local time at the Stamford Bridged Clinic, in Becora, Dili.
One of Lobato’s cousin, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, said that Lobato was rushed to the Stamford Bridged Clinic after feeling fatigued.
The family was even planning to admit Lobato to the National Hospital (HNGV), but instead of sending him to the Standford Bridge Clinic for a medical check-up, where he died unexpectedly.
“My cousin was not diagnosed with any illness and was always in good condition. But suddenly he had an unexpected fatigue at 7 pm the night before, causing vomiting that eventually took his life,” Rogerio said at Delta Nova, in Dili, today.
“We don’t know what kind of illnesses he was suffering from. Yesterday, he seemed fine and talked to us normally. He even went to our village of Leorema, in the Administrative Post of Bazartete, Liquica Municipality, and returned to Dili immediately on the same day,” he said.
Rogerio assumed that his cousin might have died of a heart attack or some other related heart disease.
“I think a heart attack may have been the cause of his sudden death. Because he was lying on the floor telling his children that he felt a strange pain in his chest,” Rogerio explained.
Luís Lobato’s funeral ceremony will take place in his village, Leorema, where his remain will be buried in his clan’s cemetery in the village.
“My cousin’s wife is currently having medical treatment in Malaysia. When his wife arrives from Malaysia, we will begin the memorial service. Sadly, my cousin took his last breath when his wife was not by his side,” added Rogerio.
Lobato’s family has informed some members of the government, including the President of the Republic, to be present at his funeral ceremony.
Luís Lobato, father of four and one of the brothers of national hero Nicolau dos Reis Lobato, served as the deputy minister of Health in the I Constitutional Government, in 2002.
Journalist: Antónia Gusmão
Editor: Zezito Silva
Translation: Filomeno Martins/ Editor: Nelia Borges
