Dili, November 25, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste (INSPTL) is conducting standardized training for health professionals on forensic medical examinations related to gender-based violence in Timor-Leste.
According to Gregorio Rangel, National Director of Training at INSPTL, today’s session focuses on forensic medical examinations and how to provide proper care to survivors.
“The Forensic Medical Examination training is extremely important, as it enables us to provide appropriate care to women who have experienced violence. Through this training, we can strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of our health professionals on gender-based violence. This session is delivered by Australian specialist Dr. Margaret,” said Gregorio Rangel.
He added that the training runs for five days, and today’s session discusses how to conduct examinations for survivors and prepare reports for relevant authorities to continue legal processes for their cases.
“This forensic medical training is part of my recent mandate, but it has already been conducted several times. In total, more than 70 health professionals have participated in previous trainings, and around 20 are now providing provisional forensic medical services,” he added.
Participants in this training include medical officers from municipal health centers, including those from Dili.
UNFPA representative Umbelina Rodrigues explained that forensic medical examinations play a crucial role not only in addressing the immediate health needs of survivors, but also in supporting justice, accountability, and the dignity of survivors.
“Ensuring that health providers have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to conduct forensic medical examinations is essential. UNFPA is very pleased to support this standardized training. This week marks an important step forward, with the pilot testing of this new training module. Your active participation, questions, and feedback throughout these five days are vital to improve this model. UNFPA will also review and provide feedback to Dr. Margaret and INSPTL. We will seek support from the UNFPA Regional Office to contribute as well, with the intention that all of us help ensure the final training package is high-quality, practical, sustainable, and ready to be used nationwide in the coming years.” said Umbelina Rodrigues at INSPTL Comoro.
She further stated that input from the UNFPA Regional Office is very valuable. She wished all participants a productive and collaborative week of training. High-quality, standardized, and survivor-centered forensic services are essential for Timor-Leste’s national response to gender-based violence.
Report: Tomas
Photos: Tomas