DILI, 03 july 2023 (TATOLI) – The New Health Minister, Élia dos Reis Amaral, has called on health professionals to bring adequate health services closer to the communities to ensure that all Timorese citizens get the health care they need.
“I would like to call on all health professionals to work hard to bring the health services closer to the communities,” Minister Amaral made the comments at the handover ceremony held at the office of the Health Ministry, in Dili, today.
Amaral warned health professionals not to just be in the office or use state vehicles for nothing.
“You must serve the people with love to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all Timorese people,” she said.
Amaral promised to improve maternal and newborn health, immunization, nutrition, integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI), reproductive health, etc.
She also pledged to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and so on.
Amaral encouraged health professionals to prepare themselves to fight for better health and promote the well-being of all people: “We are here to serve our communities. So please reach out to those who cannot get access to the health facilities for treatment.”
She stressed that health professionals must stick to work ethics and show discipline, responsibility, and dedication to serving the people and the nation.
Minister Amaral thanked the former Health Minister, Odete Belo, and her deputy, Bonifácio Maucoli dos Reis, for their contribution to the development of the Health Sector in the country.
Amaral was sworn in as Timor-Leste’s new Health Minister, at the Presidential Palace, on july 1st.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
