DILI, 21 september 2023 (TATOLI) – The government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), will deploy more than 60 physicians to the country’s municipal hospitals, to improve the quality of health care.
These doctors have previously worked as medical interns at various hospitals and have gained enough experience to work as doctors in the municipalities.
“The deployment of these physicians will improve health services access for all communities from the rural areas across various municipalities,” said Marcelo Amaral, the General Director of Cooperative Service of the Ministry of Health, in Dili, today.
He said that the deployment would take place in the very near future in order to fill existing vacancies.
When asked about the fact that many health centers across the country still lack doctors and health professionals, Amaral said that the Ministry of Health would consider in its 2024 budget to recruit more doctors and health professionals to be deployed to these health centers.
Amaral said that these doctors will replace the other 87 doctors who have previously worked in the municipalities and are now working in Dili, after passing the Ministry of Health’s internal recruitment: “Doctors with outstanding clinical experience would be promoted to different levels through international recruitment which would oblige them to work at the national hospital.”
“They are currently working at the Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV), where they will have a great opportunity to improve their capacity to a different level,” Amaral said.
Amaral added that deploying more health professionals to the municipalities is part of the IX Government’s commitment to bringing health services closer to rural communities.
Following her inauguration as the Health Minister, Élia dos Reis Amaral, 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.
Élia encouraged health professionals to prepare themselves to fight for better health and promote the well-being of all people: “We must serve our communities. So please reach out to those who cannot get access to the health facilities for treatment.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
