The medals were awarded in special recognition to the staff of the Australian Defence Force Hospital in Dili, operated by Aspen Medical, who were responsible for providing critical life-saving treatment and facilitating the President's intensive care aeromedical evacuation after he was shot by rebel forces on February 11 2008.
President Ramos-Horta presented the medals in Dili at the Presidential Palace and spoke of his gratitude for the decisive and professional treatment, provided by the staff, under significant pressure, that saved his life.
Medalha Solidariedade de Timor-Leste is ordinarily only awarded to international police or military forces that have played an active role in Timor-Leste but due to the exceptional circumstances President Ramos-Horta has used his authority to award the medals to Aspen Medical staff.