Bali to get ambulances from ADB

DENPASAR, Bali: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will donate 20 ambulances to Bali to help improve the province's health services, an official said here Monday.

"The ADB's assistance will be extended in 2004," head of the provincial health office, Made Molin Yudiasa, said.

He said the provincial administration had allocated 13 ambulances to community health centers in eight regencies and municipalities on the island.

"The procurement of the ambulances is expected to help improve Bali's health service, particularly in dealing with traffic accidents, which claim at least 400 victims a year," he said.

Yudiasa said the Australian government will also donate Rp 43 billion (US$5.11 million) to help the Denpasar General Hospital acquire new health equipment.

The Australian government's assistance will be earmarked for the development of an intensive care unit for heart patients and acquiring other equipment, he said.

He said the Australian government would also offer scholarships for 30 medical practitioners to enable them to pursue post-graduate studies in Australia. -- Antara