IBRD grants medical aid to Mentawai

MENTAWAI, West Sumatra: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has allocated Rp 16 billion (US$1.8 million) toward medical equipment and health care programs to improve the health of local people, says an official.

"The assistance will be granted in several phases as of early 2004," Ifdil Gusti, secretary of the Mentawai regency administration, said on Monday in Tua Pajat.

He said IBRD also indicated a commitment to renovating old public heath centers in the regency. -- Antara