Government of Timor-Leste

The Ministry of Health handed over nine multi-purpose ambulances to the Municipal Health Services of Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Ermera, Lautém, Manufahi, Viqueque, and Covalima, with the aim of strengthening the emergency response capacity in these municipalities, especially for the populations in the most remote areas. The handover ceremony occurred on September 18^th, 2024, at the Ministry of Health in Dili.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Health, Elia dos Reis Amaral, highlighted the importance of this reinforcement of the ambulance fleet to ensure the rapid evacuation of patients, especially in rural areas, to health centres or hospitals, particularly in emergencies that require immediate medical assistance. 

The Minister also emphasised the need for these ambulances to be used properly, since they were acquired by the Government with public funds, stressing that it is the users' responsibility to ensure that they are used correctly and will be at the service of the population for many years to come.

Vitor Martins, Director of the Manufahi Health Services, thanked the Ministry of Health for handing over the ambulance to the Manufahi Municipality, which is intended to meet the population's needs. He also explained that the municipality has five ambulances, one in poor condition that was returned to state ownership and is now replaced by the new ambulance received today. He also took on the responsibility of managing this state asset properly to ensure that it lasts a long time.