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 sees international patients at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, including NGO workers, diplomats, UN staff, and volunteers based in Dili who require general internal medicine and infectious disease care. He consults in Tetum, Portuguese, English, and Indonesian, enabling direct communication with a wide range of international patients and partners. Video consultations are available for general medical advice and follow-up for international patients. For complex conditions requiring specialist investigations or subspecialty care — cardiology, neurology, oncology — not available within Dili, Dr. da Costa facilitates medical referral to Indonesia (Bali or Surabaya) or Australia through the Ministry of Health's overseas medical referral programme. Comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for all international visitors and long-term expatriates in Timor-Leste.

Dr. da Costa has been recognized for his significant contributions to internal medicine and infectious disease management at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, serving as a clinical leader within the hospital's dedicated physician workforce. He participates actively in the Timor-Leste Medical Association, contributing to continuing medical education and clinical guideline development for national health protocols. He has been acknowledged by WHO Timor-Leste country office and international health partners — including MSF and Australian health cooperation programs — for his dedication to tuberculosis control, malaria management, and diabetes care in Timor-Leste's challenging health environment. His contributions to medical student and junior doctor education at HNGV are also recognized by the Timorese medical community.