AIDS patients not insured

SEMARAMG, Central Java: The local branch of the state-run insurance company PT Astek is refusing to cover people with AIDS, as well as drug and alcohol addicts, even if they are participants in the health insurance program.

Chief of the local Astek branch office, Syi'aruddin Amin, said on Saturday that the health insurance program provides insurance for conventional health problems and pregnancy.

Participants with cancer and those who undergo transplants or cosmetic surgery are not eligible for assistance from the company, he said as quoted by Antara. (pan)