Balance of the main steps implemented by the Ministry of Health
The SISCa Program, the purchasing of multifunctional vehicles, the attribution of subsidies for the health professionals side by side with the possibility of treatment abroad were, and are the main measures that the Ministry of Health has implemented.
The SISCa allows getting around the problem of access to health services by those who live in the most remote areas. The most fragilized people such as elders, invalids, pregnant women and children no longer go months without specialized service. At least once a month they receive the visit of a health professional or help in the mobilization to the nearest health centre.
The arrival of multifunctional vehicles has given major support in the transfer of patients that need specialized care, and at the same time contributes to improve the logistic support of health centres.
On the other hand, the attribution of subsidies for health professionals has minimized the problems of lack of motivation, contributing to encourage dedication and professionalism.
It is also necessary to mention the opportunities made available by the Government for access to a Medical Team abroad, specially in Singapore and Indonesia. In urgent cases, prevention of chronic diseases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and complicated operations, among others, the patients had the opportunity to go to countries which the Timor-Leste Government established contacts to access medical treatment.
The poorest, veterans, women and children benefit the most from these policies. If all these measures have contributed for the population to receive more and better medical assistance, it can be concluded that their implementation has a positive balance.
