Auxiliadora Medical Clinic, Venilale, Timor-Leste
Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge for many families in rural Timor-Leste. This year, the Auxiliadora Medical Clinic in Venilale has already provided care to 5,248 patients (Jan to Sep), serving not only the local community but also people who travel from surrounding districts in search of treatment.
Many patients journey long distances to reach the clinic. With medicines often unavailable at public health centres, families turn to the Salesian Sisters for care they know they can rely on. The Sisters also travel to remote villages, bringing medical assistance and health education directly to communities where healthcare services are limited.
Providing this care is becoming increasingly difficult. Timor-Leste relies heavily on imported medicines and does not yet produce many pharmaceutical products locally. As a result, the cost of medicines continues to rise, placing additional pressure on both the clinic and the families it serves.
During a recent immersion experience, students from Cagliero Australia delivered 60 assorted medical creams to the clinic. While these creams are readily available in Australia, they are expensive and often difficult to source in Timor-Leste.
“Because of our donors’ generosity, we can provide the best treatment possible for our patients. People come from near and far seeking care, especially when medicines are unavailable elsewhere,” shared Sr. Carolina Correia FMA
Most patients contribute what they can, often just US$1 or US$2 towards their care. These small contributions help, but donor support remains essential, enabling the clinic to employ staff, purchase medicines, travel to remote villages, and continue providing healthcare to those who would otherwise go without.
