Australia continues to help the Ministry of Health put ambulances back on the road in Timor-Leste

Australia continues to help the Ministry of Health put ambulances back on the road in Timor-Leste

27 February 2015

The Australian Government is supporting the Ministry of Health to take practical measures to help save lives in Timor-Leste by facilitating the repair of ambulances and health vehicles.

Today, Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Peter Doyle, joined new Vice Minister of Health, Dr Ana Isabel Soares, to launch the new Ambulance and Multi-function Inspection Bay in Dili.

This is a Ministry-led initiative that Australia is proud to be supporting. Mr Doyle said, “Timor-Leste and Australia are close neighbours, development partners and friends. Australia is ready and committed to supporting the new Government’s priorities.”

“A strong and reliable ambulance service remains an immediate priority for the Ministry, and Australia is providing $1.8 million to support this work”.

“Ambulances are critical in transporting people in emergencies. For example, when pregnant women experience a complication during labour, ambulances transport them safely and quickly to a hospital – which means two lives are saved”.

The Ministry of Health announced that every ambulance location has one working vehicle, and 85% of multi-function vehicles are back on the road. Many of these vehicles were successfully repaired within 48 hours. One year ago, only 56% of ambulances were available nationally.

The Ministry of Health and a team of Australian mechanics are working collaboratively to continue to implement the ‘mobile mechanics’ who conduct regular maintenance (every three months) and small repairs of ambulances and multi-function vehicles in all 13 districts. There are two teams, one working in the east, the other in the west, managed by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health also continues to implement a GPS system for Dili managers to track fuel use and the large fleet of vehicles in all 13 districts. In addition, over 100 Ministry of Health staff have been trained in trauma and disaster response.

The ambulance repair and maintenance program are part of the Australian Government’s health program for Timor Leste (AUD$28 million for the first four years). The program aims to improve health outcomes in all 13 districts, especially for women and children.