President Ramos-Horta hands over two new emergency mobile clinic ambulances to Bairro Pité Clinic
DÍLI, 03 September 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, today officially handed over two new fully-equipped emergency mobile clinic ambulances to the Bairro Pité Clinic (BPC). The Emergency Mobile Clinic ambulance was donated through the generosity of Mr. Ibrahim Sharaf, in partnership with Dr. Vincent Everard Jerome Braganza.
The donation represents a significant enhancement to the Clinic’s emergency response and patient referral capabilities. The donation was made possible through the longstanding commitment of Dr. Braganza, a cardiovascular medicine specialist at Hospital Olpo-Frankfurt in Germany. Since 2014, Dr. Braganza has led numerous medical missions to Timor-Leste, providing cardiovascular care, performing surgeries, training Timorese doctors, and supplying more than 10 ultrasonographic (USG) machines to clinics across the country. This ongoing volunteer initiative plays a vital role in building local medical capacity and improving healthcare outcomes throughout Timor-Leste.
Following a visit by the Visionary group, facilitated by Dr. Braganza, many of its members have shown a keen interest in Timor-Leste. Among them is Mr. Ibrahim Sharaf, who, together with Dr. Braganza, generously donated two new mobile emergency clinics ambulances through the Presidency.
This is not the first such initiative under President J. Ramos-Horta’s leadership. During his first term in office (2007-2012) President J. Ramos-Horta donated half his salary to five charitable institutions. The late Dr. Dan Murphy was one such recipient of President Ramos-Horta donation. The President also handed over five ambulances donated by Kuwait to clinics around Timor-Leste, including the Bairro Pité Clinic.
“It is with profound gratitude that we receive these two new mobile emergency clinics ambulances, generously donated by Mr. Ibrahim Sharaf in partnership with Dr. Braganza. For fourteen years, Dr. Braganza has selflessly trained our local doctors in diagnostic ultrasound and performed AV Fistula surgeries at HNGV, strengthening our healthcare capacity,” said President Ramos-Horta. “Thanks to his advocacy, we have also received two mobile USG machines from Mr. Christopher and Mr. Klaber, as well as a monthly commitment from Mr. Sven Paulson to support the Alma Nuns. These contributions empower our health professionals and complement the important work of the Ministry of Health. We extend our deepest thanks to all the donors and volunteers who make this possible.”
To ensure the mobile clinics serve communities effectively, Dr. Braganza joined by Dr. Everard and his daughter, Dr. Elena Braganza will provide the necessary training to healthcare teams.
Dr. Braganza explained the aim and function of the mobile emergency clinics is to bring the hospital or clinic to the patient—to the person who is sick or injured.
“Inside the ambulance, we carry equipment such as an ICG monitor for head or back injuries, supplies for fractures, and medications for emergencies including epileptic, asthma attacks, and heart conditions. The essntial life-saving drugs are all on board. That is why this vehicle can only be dispatched with a doctor on board and the Bairro Pité Clinic is uniquely equipped to provide this level of care. We hope to extend this service not only to Bairro Pité but beyond,” she said.
The handover was formally signed by the Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Ms. Henriqueta Maria da Silva and the President of the Bairro Pité Clinic Foundation, Mr. Inácio dos Santos. The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Elia dos Reis Amaral; the Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC); representative from the Red Cross; as well as distinguished guests, partners, and medical staff.
Mr. Inácio dos Santos, President of the Bairro Pité Clinic Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to all those who made the donation possible:
“On behalf of our patients, our 90 Timorese staff, and everyone at Bairro Pité Clinic, we extend our deepest gratitude to our generous donors, Mr. Ibrahim Sharaf and Dr. Braganza. We also thank President Ramos-Horta for his steadfast support and leadership over the years. These ambulances will save time, save lives, and bring hope to the communities we serve. We promise to use them responsibly and for the benefit of those who need them most.”
Founded in 1999 by Dr. Dan Murphy amid the ruins of post-conflict Timor-Leste, Bairro Pité Clinic began as a makeshift emergency centre and has since grown into one of the country’s most trusted and comprehensive free healthcare providers. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Jeremy Beckett, BPC serves an average of 200 outpatients daily, delivers more than 100 babies each month, and treats over 2,500 emergency cases annually.
With a team of more than 90 Timorese staff and a network of international volunteers, the Clinic has conducted nearly one million consultations and played a pivotal role in training local midwives, nurses, and medical students. Funded entirely by donations and governed by a voluntary Australian board, Bairro Pité Clinic remains deeply committed to its mission of providing critical, compassionate, and culturally respectful healthcare to the people of Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
