DILI, 03 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV) has transferred dengue patients to the quarantine centre in Tasi Tolu as health facilities in Dili struggled with overcrowding.
The transfers began on friday, with 12 patients initially moved from the national hospital. Four have since recovered and been discharged, leaving eight currently receiving treatment at the Tasi Tolu facility.
Vidal Lopes, Director of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support Services at HNGV, said only patients with mild to moderate symptoms are being referred to the quarantine centre. Those in critical condition continue to receive treatment at HNGV.
Since january, the national hospital has recorded 383 dengue cases and five deaths, all involving children aged between 1 and 10, Lopes said.
At the national level, Health Minister Elia Amaral recently reported more than 1,000 dengue cases across the country, highlighting growing pressure on the healthcare system.
The Tasi Tolu quarantine centre is operated by a joint team comprising staff from the Ministry of Health, HNGV, the National Institute of Public Health, the National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Products, the National Emergency Ambulance Service and the National Laboratory. The operation is led by HNGV.
Health authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation as rising dengue cases continue to put growing pressure on healthcare services in Dili and across the country.
Journalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
