AKSAI, Western Kazakhstan oblast, 2 December 2002 -- On the eve of Kazakhstan's Independence Day the Karachaganak Integrated Organisation (KIO) has supplied modern equipment amounting to over KZT 2M to three medical facilities in Western Kazakhstan.

Day clinics in the villages of Tungush and Berezovka as well as the Burlinsky district hospital have received sets of diagnostic, surgical and ophthalmologic equipment, as well as apparatus for resuscitation and physiotherapy.

According to Burlinsky district Medical Association Chief Ranil Zhaliyev, this equipment will allow the expansion of the medical facilities' capabilities. For example, KIO's gift has enabled the Burlinsky district hospital to equip a chamber for juvenile intensive care. The residents of Berezovka now have an opportunity to receive physiotherapy not in Aksai, but directly in the village day clinic.

As KIO General Director John Morrow said, "The supply of medical equipment demonstrates the company's commitment to social responsibility. Each year KIO allocates some KZT 50 M for sponsorship projects. Priority areas for sponsorship support are healthcare, education, youth empowerment, sports and culture."

Previously, within the framework of its social programme, KIO had invested $6.3 M for the refurbishment of the Burlinsky district hospital and supply of necessary medical equipment. In 2000 KIO bought the following modern equipment for the hospital - X-ray apparatus, cardio-monitors, water treatment and supply unit, and diesel power station.

Also, in 2001 KIO Unit 2 employees, driven by their own initiative, fully refurbished the day clinic in Berezovka village and provided the medical personnel with mobile communication.

On the whole, in 2002 KIO implemented more than 70 sponsorship projects in the fields of healthcare, sports, education, and culture.