New medical team for Soeharto

New medical team for Soeharto

JAKARTA: State prosecutors assigned on Wednesday a new team of physicians from state-run Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) to make a thorough medical assessment of former president Soeharto, a suspect in a US$571 million graft case.

RSCM director Merdias Almatsier appointed the 15-member team, led by Akmal Taher, to help state prosecutors in ensuring that Soeharto is physically and mentally fit to stand trial.

Head of South Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Poerwanto said the health check would be conducted next week.

The team comprises neurologists, internists, psychiatrists, clinical pathologists, a urologist and a radiologist.

Soeharto, who turned 81 on Saturday, is reportedly in good health. He survived several strokes after his resignation in May 1998.

The South Jakarta District Court dropped Soeharto's case in September 1999 after hearing arguments from a team of doctors that the defendant was suffering from an incurable illness.--JP