Background
Was born on February 28, 1919, at Lisbon.
Was born on February 28, 1919, at Lisbon.
Educated at Lisbon then served as a conscript in Angola and Mozambique. Resumed his studies in 1940 and graduated in medicine from the University of Lisbon in 1943.
Rejoining the army as a doctor, he served at Lisbon Military Hospital and the headquarters of the Public Security Police. On leaving the army he became a family doctor and was later appointed chief medical officer for the National Health Insurance system.
After attending a course in advanced military studies from 1968 to 1969 he was appointed to Angola as Secretary for Health and Social Welfare. He concentrated on improving the health service in the military areas and expanding the pharmaceutical services in the northern districts. His organisational ability resulted in a better ambulance system not just for the army but for the civilians in the north.