DILI, 27 january 2026 (TATOLI) – StarKing Medical Center, the first private hospital in Timor-Leste will open on february 9 after receiving an operating licence from the Ministry of Health.
The licence was granted to the five-storey facility located in Audian, Dili, on january 14, 2026.
This is a major boost for healthcare in Timor-Leste, as more nurses, midwives, doctors and other health workers will be recruited to support the delivery of healthcare to the communities.
The facility currently employs 83 health professionals. The staff includes 11 general doctors, four specialists, and 68 nurses.
The hospital has 135 rooms and is expected to begin providing services next month.
Nuno da Costa, Director of the Office for Licensing and Registration of Health Activities, said the facility met all legal requirements for operation.
He said parking facilities and adequate human resources were among the minimum conditions for hospital licensing.
Lay Siu Hing, the owner of SK Medical Center, said the hospital would operate on a temporary basis for one to two months after opening.
He said this initial period would allow management to ensure that all services are functioning properly.
“The licence granted by the Ministry of Health provides for a temporary opening to make sure everything is operating correctly before we move forward with other essential activities,” Hing said.
In its first phase, the hospital will open its Intensive Care Unit and provide treatment for common illnesses.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
