The Timor-Leste government through the Ministry of Health (MoH) has offered its condolences to the Cuban government following the death of a surgeon who worked at the National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV), in the capital Dili.
Health Minister Maria do Ceu Pina da Costa said the Timor-Leste government stood with the Cuban government at this time.
Dr Joao Carlos Martires Lopes died early on March 6 after suffering a heart attack while on shift.
“On behalf of the Timor-Leste government, we offer our condolences to the government of Cuba and thank them for the solidarity, contribution and dedication given to the people of Timor-Leste through the Cuba brigade,” said Minister Ceu at the national hospital.
She said the Timor-Leste government had been collaborating with Cuba since 2004 to boost human resources within the health sector.
She said the government was grateful for the association between the two countries and for the support provided by Cuban medical staff to Timorese people.
The HNGV General Director Jose Antonio said Dr Lopes had worked at the hospital since 2004.
He described the late doctor as a great man who was dedicated to training new Timorese doctors.
He said that services at HNGV were not disrupted and that a surgeon had come from Oecusse to replace Dr Lopes temporarily until a new doctor arrives from Cuba.
There are currently 60 Cuban health personnel working at the HNGV, including nurses, general doctors and specialists.
