Sichuan Health Commission Director of Communications Li Ling said the group of doctors and specialists will work at Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV) for two years, after which they will be replaced by other medics from China.

The Director of HNGV Cecilia Barros Mendonca said there was now 10 years of medical support cooperation between Timor-Leste and China.  

China has for decades sent medical professionals to countries across Asia and Pacific to help support local medical teams, and to reinforce weaknesses in developing nation’s health systems.

Mendonca said the Chinese medics included an intensive care specialist, cardiologist, surgical specialist, oncologist specialist, and orthopaedic specialist.