Dr. Jose da Costa

Dr. Jose da Costa is a physician at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) in Dili — Timor-Leste's main national referral hospital. With 11 years of clinical experience, he is one of the country's senior general physicians, managing the full spectrum of adult medical conditions in one of Southeast Asia's youngest nations.

Timor-Leste's disease burden is dominated by infectious diseases — tuberculosis (with one of the world's highest TB rates), malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhoeal illness — alongside a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension as the country urbanises. Dr. da Costa's dual focus on infectious and metabolic conditions reflects this epidemiological reality.

Medical training in Timor-Leste has been shaped by the country's post-independence relationships with Cuba, Portugal, and Australia, and Dr. da Costa has benefited from this multilateral support. He works closely with international health partners including WHO, MSF, and Australian health cooperation programs that support HNGV.

For complex cases requiring specialist investigations or subspecialty procedures beyond Dili's capacity, he facilitates medical referral to Indonesia (Bali, Surabaya) or Australia.

Dr. da Costa completed his MD training through the National University of Timor-Leste in partnership with Cuban medical educators — reflecting Timor-Leste's long-standing Cuba medical education program. He holds a Diploma in Internal Medicine and a Certificate in Tropical Medicine from training supported by international health partners.

He has participated in continuing medical education through WHO Timor-Leste programs and Australian health cooperation initiatives.

Dr. da Costa manages tuberculosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary, including drug-resistant TB management in coordination with WHO protocols), malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax), dengue fever, typhoid, leptospirosis, and HIV/AIDS. His diabetes and hypertension practice covers oral and insulin management and complication monitoring.

He performs diagnostic procedures including pleural aspiration, ascitic tap, and lumbar puncture. General internal medicine covers anaemia, respiratory infections, chronic kidney disease, and thyroid disorders.

Dr. da Costa participates in TB surveillance and reporting programs coordinated by WHO Timor-Leste and contributes to national health data. He is focused on clinical practice within Timor-Leste's limited-resource healthcare system.

Dr. da Costa consults international patients at HNGV including NGO workers, diplomats, and volunteers in Dili. He consults in Tetum, Portuguese, English, and Indonesian. Video consultations are available for general medical advice and follow-up.

Dr. da Costa has been recognized for contributions to internal medicine at HNGV. He participates in Timor-Leste Medical Association activities and national health programs supported by international partners.