Assessment of Human Resources in Medical Laboratory Science in Timor-Leste

The shortage of qualified human resources at the medical laboratory level remains a major challenge in Timor-Leste. High maternal and child mortality rates are related to the lack of highly qualified human resources. This study aims to identify some structural problems of medical laboratory human resources in health facilities in Timor-Leste. This study was conducted in Covalima, Ermera, and Viqueque municipalities
in Timor-Leste. It was found that there is a lack of human resources in health facilities to serve the community throughout the country. Similarly, these medical laboratory technicians have been working for more than 10 years without any possibility to progress in their studies, acquiring new knowledge and skills and applying for other positions.