Timor Leste Defence Force and Indonesia to organize health services to the population
The Falintil–Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), together with the Indonesian Navy Forces, referred to as Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), promoted a medical care social action to the population, at the Díli Harbor. This activity took place between January 20th and February 2nd, 2016, in the Indonesian Naval Force hospital ship Suharso.
This activity free to the Timorese population, involved both Indonesian military doctors and Timorese specialists. The Indonesian medical were experts mainly in the field of eye (ophthalmology) and teeth health (stomatology). Follow-ups on surgical procedures were also made.
The Chief of the General Staff of F-FDTL, the General Commander of TNI and the Ministries of Defence and Security of both countries agreed to hold this health services joint programme to the Díli population, in order to celebrate F-FDTL’s 15th Anniversary, on February 2nd, 2016.
An officer of the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia, who followed the medical care provided on the ship, said that the idea of holding this social action came from the former Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s experience, who praised the medical treatment he received, some time ago, in the Gatot Subroto Hospital of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) in Jakarta. Thus, Xanana Gusmão suggested that Indonesia could provide health care services to the population of Timor-Leste, through Indonesian specialist doctors.
The Indonesian Minister of Defence and Security, retired General Ryamzard Ryacudu, arrived on February 1st, accompanied by a delegation and attended the celebrations of F-FDTL’s anniversary.
