Working in a supportive environment at Centro de Saúde Daniel Ornelas (CSDO)-Kasait, Olga da Costa Belo serves as a Laboratory Analyst (Primary Medical Assistant) and is deeply committed to the mission of caring for patients and promoting community health.
“I feel supported by everyone, especially our director of Jesuit Social Service (JSS), Fr. Julio Sousa, SJ, who treats everyone with respect and dignity,” Olga shared.
A mother of one child, Olga travels a long distance every day to reach her workplace. She spends about an hour commuting from Dili to Kasait, Liquiça, on the western side of the capital.
“Sometimes I feel exhausted,” she admitted, “but when I arrive here and meet my colleagues—who treat each other like brothers and sisters—it makes me feel better and our interactions make the collaboration more meaningful, especially when we serve patients together.”
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Olga values the spiritual formation opportunities provided by JSS. Activities such as a Trimestral Recollection, annual retreats, and spiritual conversations facilitated by Fr. Sousa, have strengthened her commitment to serve with sincerity and compassion.
As a Primary Medical Assistant, Olga has also received technical training to enhance her skills. “I completed a one-month training in 2021 and again in 2026 to help maintain and repair laboratory machines,” she explained. “This helps us keep the equipment functioning without always having to send it back to the manufacturer.”
Photo: Olga is processing the blood test in laboratory machines at CSDO.
Olga began working at CSDO in May 2024. Since her first year, she has remained committed to contributing to CSDO’s mission inspired by the Gospel.
“When I read the Gospel passages about work, they remind me to work with faith and honesty, to help people who need my assistance, and to always have God as my companion,” she reflected.
Her daily responsibilities include conducting blood tests and urine tests for patients of all ages—from children to adults. While CSDO has essential clinical equipment, Olga hopes to see improvements in laboratory resources.
“I think the clinic has sufficient basic equipment, but we still need additional tools to test glucose, uric acid, and cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, we don’t have the chemical reagents required for these tests,” she explained.
Sometimes, this situation makes her feel anxious to deliver a test result to a patient. Furthermore, Olga also has built close relationships with the local community in Ulmera, Liquiça, and she finds great fulfillment in interacting with patients.
“I really appreciate the moments when we consult and discuss health with our patients,” she said. “Many of them share how the presence of CSDO has helped take care of their health.”
Photo: Olga is attending the patient for blood test with a children and her mother at CSDO.
In addition to laboratory work, Olga also contributes to weekly health promotion sessions for the local community. Through these activities, she has developed her public speaking skills and expanded her understanding of broader health issues.
Olga’s presence at CSDO goes beyond her role as a medical assistant. She is also a supportive colleague, a trusted friend among the team, and a collaborator in the mission to care for those who are sick and in need.
“During my time at CSDO, I have grown not only professionally but also spiritually,” she said. “The spiritual formation programs are very helpful. Since working here, I have become more patient, I understand myself better, and I try to treat everyone equally.”
In closing, Olga expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “I thank God for bringing me here. And to our donors, ‘thank you’ for your support! It helps facilitate our work and enables us to become God’s instrument to serve the community.”
Written by:
Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer