DILI, 21 january 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health (MoH), with the support of the Australian Government, today, announced the government’s commitment to increase the number of sub-specialists in Timor-Leste by offering a new subspecialty training program (Postgraduate Diploma) for Timorese doctors at the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL).
Timorese doctors will be offered the opportunity to take postgraduate diploma courses in Family Medicine to enhance their skills, which will enable them to deliver quality, inclusive, and integrated healthcare services at primary healthcare facilities in Timor-Leste.
MoH is collaborating closely with the UNTL, National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV), and the National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste (INSP-TL) to equip Timorese doctors with the two-year postgraduate diploma course.
Minister Amaral described the course as part of preparing Timorese doctors for further specialization at UNTL and further strengthening the medical school, with mentoring support from Australian specialists: “Recruitment for the postgraduate diploma course is now open.”
Minister Amaral said that this program will benefit from Australia’s funding commitment for the initial two years, along with support from Australian specialists.
“The government is committed to upholding the Timorese people’s constitutional rights by investing in healthy and safe communities, to ensure that all Timorese people are able to fully participate and contribute to the country’s social and economic development,” said Minister Elia at HNGV, today.
The Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, said that the Australian government provided US$700,000 to support the delivery of the courses, which includes support for the payment of clinical specialists and lecturers.
“I want to make it clear that these courses much more being moved into Timor-Leste leadership. So we will be supporting behind the scenes through some Australian specialists to work with Timor-Leste’s specialists,” said Ambassador Wilson.
Improving the clinical competence and capability at the primary care level is critical to ensuring early detection and treatment of health issues. Providing this quality care at the community level makes it easier for families to seek care and reduces unnecessary referrals to hospitals. This is a complimentary effort to the continued commitment to improve the health system in Timor-Leste, both by the government and in collaboration with development partners.
The postgraduate diploma for family medicine, an approved course and curriculum by the Ministry of Higher Education, and coordinated through UNTL, is a strong foundation to prepare Timorese institutions to train medical specialists in the future, with a clear accreditation process in place. At the same time, it will prepare Timorese doctors for further specialization.
MoH will also work with Timor-Leste Civil Service Commission to ensure that the fundamental legal and policy conditions are in place to facilitate the deployment and retention of the graduates in the rural areas.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins