Medical evacuation from Angola to Morocco: how do you prepare a file written in Portuguese?

Translating the essentials of the file

Portuguese is the official language and the language of medical reports. So that specialists in Morocco can review the file quickly and without error, it is recommended to include:

• a summary letter in French, written or translated from the Angolan doctor’s letter;
• translations of the essential reports: diagnosis, pathology, imaging, procedures;
• the list of treatments by international non-proprietary name, easier to recognise than brand names.

The imaging files themselves, on CD, USB stick or download link, need no translation: they remain very useful.

Departing from Luanda

Luanda handles international connections. For a patient from the provinces, a domestic flight to the capital can avoid a long road journey; Cabinda, separated from the rest of the country, requires a flight or a long detour in any case. For a seriously ill patient, medical transport from the nearest airport can be considered by the doctors and the transport operator.

During the stay

A patient who speaks neither French nor English needs a companion or interpreter able to bridge the gap with the team, particularly for important information and consent to care. It helps to arrange this support before departure.

Time zone and malaria

Angola is on UTC+1, like Morocco for most of the year; during Ramadan, Morocco moves to UTC+0. Malaria is common in Angola: a recent fever or antimalarial treatment must be included in the file.

Funding and entry into Morocco

The family, an insurer, an employer or a body may fund the care pathway, with prior approval obtained before departure; if the body requires documents in Portuguese, both versions must be planned. Entry requirements for Morocco depend on nationality and change over time: they are checked with the competent Moroccan diplomatic mission or on the official websites of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Preparing the return

The discharge report is written in French: its translation into Portuguese helps the doctor who will take over follow-up in Angola. The patient leaves with prescriptions using international non-proprietary names and a follow-up schedule.

Frequently asked questions