Japan gives blood test equipment

Japan gives blood test equipment

AMBON, Maluku: The Japanese International Cooperation Agency has given the local public hospital a set of blood test equipment to screen for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which causes AIDS.

Hospital director Dr. Afifudin said here on Saturday that the expensive equipment was sent through the provincial office of the Ministry of Health two months ago.

It has been used to screen the blood of a number of foreigners who suspected they had the virus, Antara reported.

"The procedures were conducted only with the foreigners' full consent," Afifudin said. So far, no locals have asked for their blood to be tested. (fai/swe)