Australian partnership to rebuild Banda Aceh Hospital

The Australian Government, in partnership with Indonesia and Germany, will further progress the reconstruction of the Zainoel Abidin hospital in Banda Aceh, severely damaged in the Boxing Day tsunami, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, announced Friday (20th May 2005).

'The signing of an agreement in Jakarta this week with our international partners outlines how best we can collaborate our reconstruction and training efforts to help the people of Aceh by rebuilding the hospital as quickly as possible,' Mr Billson said.

'Australia responded rapidly after the disaster to restore some hospital capability and provide clinical services to the Acehnese community. This international agreement will further support the recovery by effectively using the best available skills and resources.

'This project is a critical part of Australian efforts to return health, education and other government services to the Acehnese people, and is an important initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD).

'Australia contributed $33 million to Aceh in emergency relief after the tsunami which included urgent food, water and medical supplies and is now spending an additional $50 million on reconstruction work in the region.

'We have helped refurbish nursing schools, re-establish pharmacy services and continue to train health workers and teachers. Basic supplies for schools are also being provided, with 80 tonnes of school equipment delivered to 36 schools across five districts.

'Australia has committed $1.8 billion over five years, including $1 billion for the AIPRD, to promote development in Indonesia and help rebuild lives after the Boxing Day devastation,' Mr Billson said.